The Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur will be open again for morning walkers from December 1. The garden has been closed since March 15 because of the Covid pandemic.

According to instructions from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, the premises will remain open only for morning walkers from 5.30am to 7.30am, an official of the garden said.

Walkers will be encouraged to buy e-tickets and pay the entry fee through the Bharat Kosh portal (https://bharatkosh.gov.in). Visitors will be allowed entry on production of a downloaded or printed version of the e-receipt, along with a valid identity card of the morning walker. Sale of tickets from counters will continue, too.

People above the age of 65 and those with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 have been advised not to enter the garden for now.

No visitor will be allowed after 7.30am and those who have entered the garden before that time will be asked to leave by 7.30am. All visitors have to wear masks and their body temperature will be checked by thermal scanners at the gate. Those found running a temperature will not be allowed entry.

Markings have been made at the entrance, in front of the ticket counter and washrooms and on benches in the garden for visitors to maintain a safe distance among themselves.

Covered bins have been placed all over the garden for disposal of used masks. “Touching of barricades and other surfaces will be actively discouraged,” a garden official said.