Even British were kinder – a redditor commented
Doonite’s frustration
The Core Issue: A nostalgic Dehradun local took to Reddit to express their frustration over recent sweeping changes at the Forest Research Institute (FRI). For over a century—dating back to British rule—the sprawling FRI campus had been a free, safe haven for residents of nearby areas like Kaulagarh. It was the go-to spot for elders to walk and youngsters to exercise, cycle, and run away from the city’s chaotic traffic.
Now, the original poster (OP) feels the location is “totally ruined.” The central government has implemented a massive 500% fee hike, bumping the entry fare from ₹20 to ₹100 for general visitors, and raising student IDs from ₹10 to ₹50. To make matters worse, while motorized vehicles are still allowed, bicycles have been strictly banned, stripping away one of the few safe cycling zones in the city.
A Crisis of Urban Planning
One of the most detailed comments dove deep into why this hike hurts so much: Dehradun is suffering from a severe lack of open spaces. The commenter pointed out that typical residential colonies only allocate tiny 20–30 meter strips for parks—what they called a “leepa poti” (eyewash) approach to urban planning.
Because the city lacks the sprawling green spaces and lakes seen in European cities, residents are essentially forced to rely on heritage campuses like FRI to get a breath of fresh air. According to the commenter, the authorities know exactly how high the demand is, and the sudden price hike is a “classic UPSC 500 IQ babu” move to capitalize on it. Instead of the government building new parks in developing areas like Selaqui or Sahaspur, they are simply monetizing the few spaces that remain.
The Financial Squeeze
Multiple users noted that the pricing has simply become unviable. At ₹100 for entry and heavy fees for vehicles and monthly passes, locals feel priced out of their own backyard.
- One user joked that even a premium gym membership would be cheaper than maintaining daily access to the campus.
- Another pointed out the irony of the situation, stating, “It’s literally cheaper to go to Mussoorie” than to hang out at the local institute.
- The immediate effect? A massive drop in footfall. One commenter noted that a day after a presidential visit, the campus was practically a ghost town.
The Rumor Mill: Renovations and Bicycle Accidents
The conversation also shed light on the likely, albeit frustrating, reasons behind these sudden changes.
First, users speculated heavily on the financial motive. Word on the ground is that authorities supposedly increased the fare because of renovation work taking place at the institute. In the eyes of the locals, the government is simply shifting the burden of construction and campus upkeep directly onto the taxpayers who have cared for the area for decades.
Second, the baffling rule that allows cars and motorcycles but bans bicycles drew heavy criticism. Why ban the most eco-friendly transport in a forest institute? According to community chatter, the administration banned bicycles because a senior officer had an accident with a bicycle (supposedly). While not officially confirmed, this rumor has left a bitter taste for residents who feel an entire community’s well-being was sacrificed over a single, isolated incident.
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