New Delhi, March 1: Residents of Dwarka in New Delhi staged a protest on Friday against the sudden imposition of an entry fee at a public park by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The park, located in Sector 16D, was previously free and open to the public until Thursday.
Demonstrators gathered at the park gates wearing neon green shirts, chanting slogans against the DDA's decision. Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the newly implemented entry charges.
One resident, visibly upset during the demonstration, questioned the justification behind the sudden introduction of fees, stating, "This park belongs to the public, so why should we have to pay to enter? It was free for everyone until yesterday, and now, suddenly, we are being stopped at the gate and asked to pay an entry fee. This is unfair."
Expressing similar discontent, another regular visitor highlighted the practical difficulties arising from the decision. "We have been coming here regularly for our daily workouts. Paying a fee every day to enter the park is simply not feasible," he said. He added, "We used to come here for jogging, to refresh ourselves, and to spend time with nature. Now, even for that basic right, we have to pay."
Residents also drew attention to the timing of the fee introduction, pointing out that the DDA had organized a flower festival in the park on Thursday, immediately following which the entry fee was imposed the very next day.
As of now, there has been no official response or clarification from the Delhi Development Authority regarding the residents' concerns or the rationale behind the entry fee.