Coimbatore Corporation’s move to fix entry fee for Semmozhi Poonga draws criticism

A view of the under-construction Semmozhi Poonga at the Central Prison grounds in Gandhipuram.
| Photo Credit: M. PERIASAMY

The Coimbatore Corporation’s decision to introduce an entry fee for Semmozhi Poonga, which is under construction at the Central Prison grounds in Gandhipuram, has drawn criticism from Opposition party councillors.

Semmozhi Poonga is being developed on a 45-acre site at a cost of ₹167.25 crore. The project is approximately 45% complete, with a targeted completion by June 2025.

During the recent council meeting held on February 7, 2025, the Corporation passed a resolution to fix entry charges for the park.

As per the resolution, the civic body will collect ₹25 per adult and ₹10 for children below 10 years. A monthly pass for those using the walking tracks will cost ₹100. Additionally, the Corporation has fixed ₹25 for cameras, ₹100 for video recording, ₹3,000 per day for short film shoots, and ₹50,000 per day for feature film shoots.

AIADMK councillors opposed the move, stating that the Corporation should not fix entry charges before the completion of construction. “At least for the first week, entry should have been free for people to see what the park offers. The city has limited entertainment options apart from malls, and imposing an entry fee is not justified. This was not discussed in the council meeting, and the Mayor simply passed all resolutions tabled, which questions the purpose of the meeting,” said R. Prabhakaran, AIADMK council leader.

However, the Corporation compared the proposed charges with similar government established parks, stating that the fees remain relatively low.