PATNA: Parks will reopen for morning walkers and joggers after around one-and-a-half months from Wednesday for six hours – 6am to 12 noon.
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna zoo, will also be opened for the same duration.
Principal secretary (environment, forests and climate change) Dipak Kumar Singh said forest guards would be deployed at the entrance and inside the parks to guide visitors and ensure maintenance of Covid-appropriate behaviour.
“People will have to wear masks and undergo thermal screening before entering the parks.
A pre-determined number of people will be let in as per the capacity of each park.
The visitors should not worry as virus does not spread much in open areas.
They should, however, follow all safety protocols,” Singh said.
A Patna zoo official said boating and 3D theatre show would remain prohibited.
“Both botanical and zoological areas will open in the morning hours,” the official added.
“Our workforce is well equipped to regulate crowds.
All safety protocols will be followed at Patna zoo as well,” said Shashikant Kumar, DFO (parks), Patna.
Gyms, swimming pools and stadiums will continue to remain shut in the state.
Night curfew will be in place from 9pm to 5am till July 6.
There are around 72 parks in the city, including big ones like Rajdhani Vatika (Eco Park), Veer Kunwer Singh Park, Shivaji Park and S K Puri Park.
Meanwhile, people are upbeat with reopening of parks.
“I am very excited to take walks inside the Eco Park again.
However, there are some apprehensions in my mind and I will not take my kids to the park,” said Ahkilesh Chaurasiya, a resident of Rajvansi Nagar.
Shifa Arshad, a resident of Fraser Road, said, “I really enjoy taking a walk in the park near our apartment.”