The state forest department has decided to let out some of its parks for various social occasions like weddings, birthdays and gatherings in north Bengal, senior officers said.

“From January 1 next year, people can book a portion of four different parks which we have in the region for social occasions. They will, however, have to adhere to certain restrictions and regulations,” said Anjan Guha, the divisional forest officer of the parks and gardens wing of the department in north Bengal.

The parks are the Teesta Udyan in Jalpaiguri town, Mal Udyan in Malbazar town, a park in Balurghat of South Dinajpur and the N.N. Park in Cooch Behar town.

“We are finetuning the modalities. From next month, parks can be booked for marriages, pre-marriage ceremonies, birthdays and other occasions,” added Guha.

Sources in the department said after the Covid-19 pandemic, many people want to organise social gatherings in open spaces, instead of banquet halls and community buildings.

"That is why we have decided to lease out portions of the parks. Simultaneously, such a move would augment our revenue. As of now, the earnings are limited to the entry fees charged from people visiting the parks,” said a source.

According to the plan, a portion of the park would be provided from 6pm to 6am for weddings against a charge of Rs 50,000. For birthday functions, the charge will be Rs 25,000.

“If a portion of the park is hired for a conference or a pre-wedding ceremony, the department will charge Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000,” an officer said.

The department has also listed the restrictions that one has to follow while using the park for any social occasion.

“Laser lights or high-intensity lights cannot be used on the premises. There is a complete ban on playing loud music and on the use of plastic and styrofoam (thermocol). Also, the space has to be cleaned after the event,” said a source.

Representatives of Jalpaiguri municipality have welcomed the decision.

“Teesta Udyan is located in the civic area. We will extend all cooperation to the forest department. It is good that people of the town and surrounding areas will have a new open-air venue to host social events,” said Saikat Chatterjee, the vice-chairman of the civic body.