Sun Aug 03 13:04:01 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Horticulture Department in Bengaluru has halted private walking tours inside Cubbon Park, citing a government order requiring prior permission for activities involving more than 20 people and prohibiting commercial activities. This move follows the department’s launch of its own guided walking tour, “Cubbon Walks.” Private tour organizers are unhappy, arguing that the ban creates a monopoly, especially as the department’s tours also charge a fee. The department claims it’s open to free tours and potentially integrating private tour guides into its own program, but it aims to prevent commercial exploitation of Cubbon Park’s name.

**News Article:**

**Cubbon Park Bans Private Walking Tours Amidst Monopoly Concerns**

**Bengaluru, August 3, 2025:** The Horticulture Department has abruptly halted all private walking tours within Cubbon Park, raising concerns about a potential monopoly. The decision comes just a week after the department launched its own guided tour program, “Cubbon Walks.”

According to the department, the ban is based on a recent government order stipulating that any activities involving more than 20 people require prior permission. More importantly, G. Kusuma, deputy director of Cubbon Park, stated that they are not permitted any commercial activities in Cubbon Park including yoga and meditation.

Raksha Nagaraj, founder of Bengaluru Prayana, a company that previously offered heritage walks in the park, confirmed receiving instructions to cancel upcoming tours and remove related promotional material. “I was told I didn’t have permission to conduct the walk and to refund those who had made bookings,” she explained.

While the Horticulture Department claims it’s open to allowing free tours and even integrating existing private guides into their “Cubbon Walks” program, they insist the move is to prevent commercial exploitation of the park. “We do not want people to make money using the name of Cubbon Park,” said Ms. Kusuma.

However, the ban has sparked criticism from private tour organizers, who argue that it effectively creates a monopoly for the department, particularly given that “Cubbon Walks” charges ₹200 per person. Some feel it stifles independent efforts to promote the park’s history, flora, and fauna. The department stated that they will hold some discussion regarding this issue with their higher authorities and the Cubbon Park Conservation Committee.

The long-term impact of this decision on Cubbon Park’s accessibility and the broader tourism landscape remains to be seen.

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