Surat: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) will now maintain a record of visitors entering the historic Gandhi Baug following complaints that addicts were using the premises to consume liquor.The civic body has decided to shut one of the two entry gates and deploy additional guards at the functional gate. The gate facing the Tapi riverfront will remain open, where a security guard will record visitor entry and exit details in a register.Situated in the densely populated Chowk Bazaar locality, the garden continues to remain a preferred destination for morning and evening walkers, as well as families spending leisure time on holidays.The nearly 150-year-old Gandhi Baug, earlier known as Victoria Garden, features a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the main entrance, unveiled in 1950. In the past, the garden has witnessed multiple incidents of red sandalwood theft where miscreants even cut heavy iron grills around the tree to remove the decades-old trunk.The road connecting Makkai Pul to Chowk, which runs along the eastern boundary of the garden, has remained closed for months due to Metro Rail construction, resulting in a decline in footfall as the movement of regular commuters has reduced.Officials suspect that with fewer visitors, antisocial elements have begun misusing isolated corners of the premises. “Complaints regarding liquor consumption inside the garden were brought to our notice. Therefore, we have closed one gate, and entry will now be allowed only through a single monitored point where records of visitors will be maintained,” said an SMC official.Municipal councillor Vrajesh Unadkat visited the site following the complaints. “After receiving reports of nuisance and illegal activities, I inspected the garden. It appears some individuals are taking advantage of secluded areas created due to reduced public movement,” he said.“I have registered the issue with the concerned authorities and requested firm action. Maintaining a visitor logbook is necessary to ensure responsible behaviour inside the garden and to deter anti-social elements,” Unadkat added.
