The construction of fences, walls, and high gates for instance has blocked the passer by’s view of the placid waters. Vehicular traffic has been banished from the perimeter but the levy of a fee of ten rupees per adult visitor with additional costs for added attractions has introduced an economic criteria for the enjoyment of the lake. Visually, the serene lake with its mud banks, street-side stalls, ancient steps and monuments has been given a makeover with granite and grey paint. A toy train, named the ‘Atal Express’ with a faux tunnel, film music, food stalls, commercial signage on the boats and on the island, rides and so on have turned the rambling, disorderly space into a modern, amusement complex.

There would indisputably be a section of citizens which would welcome the newly sanitised Kankaria, but a great number are disturbed by what they perceive as a takeover of a cherished landmark and various forms of protest — both Gandhian and modern such as a media campaign — are in the planning. The reaction — coming after the completion of the project — is belated but the issue has implications that go well beyond the local.

The gentrification of leisure spots is a noticeable trend in various towns and cities in recent years. The concept of an entry fee — once considered unthinkable — has now found widespread acceptability on the grounds that users must share in the maintenance of public space. There has been little discussion however on the modalities of pricing. Who gets to decide how much is appropriate? And how does one safeguard against the possibility of the fee becoming an instrument of deliberate discrimination. Discrimination against the poor, and against other sections of society, since studies show that class is often co-related to community and caste which means that privileging entry to public spaces can also become, intentionally or unintentionally, a subtle form of social engineering. There would indisputably be a section of citizens which would welcome the newly sanitised Kankaria, but a great number are disturbed by what they perceive as a takeover of a cherished landmark and various forms of protest — both Gandhian and modern such as a media campaign — are in the planning. The reaction — coming after the completion of the project — is belated but the issue has implications that go well beyond the local.

The gentrification of leisure spots is a noticeable trend in various towns and cities in recent years. The concept of an entry fee — once considered unthinkable — has now found widespread acceptability on the grounds that users must share in the maintenance of public space. There has been little discussion however on the modalities of pricing. Who gets to decide how much is appropriate? And how does one safeguard against the possibility of the fee becoming an instrument of deliberate discrimination. Discrimination against the poor, and against other sections of society, since studies show that class is often co-related to community and caste which means that privileging entry to public spaces can also become, intentionally or unintentionally, a subtle form of social engineering.