Brindavan Gardens still out of bounds for tourists

The famous Brindavan Gardens at KRS reservoir, which figures prominently on the itinerary of tourists visiting Karnataka, has remained out of bounds for more than twelve weeks now, thanks to the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

The gates of the Brindavan Gardens, which were shut within minutes after the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal came out with its final award on February 5, are still locked for the visitors.

Irrigation Department authorities in Karnataka claim Brindavan Gardens has been closed for security reasons. Though the intensity of protests over the Cauvery water dispute had slowed down in State, the authorities feel that the situation in the Cauvery heartland is still volatile. “We can’t take any chances”, a senior police official said.

Brindavan Gardens, situated at a distance of about 150 kms from Bangalore, is a “must-see” spot for most tourists visiting the State. During the year 2006, an estimated 2 million tourists visited Brindavan Gardens to savour its fascinating ambience and revel in its musical fountains and neatly laid out gardens.

Unaware about its closure, hundreds of tourists still drive upto Brindavan Gardens, but return disappointed. The authorities claim that they have lost at least 5 million in gate collections on account of the closure, which has stretched to twelve weeks so far.