The access to Fatehsagar Paal will be fully operational with immediate effect. The gates on the northern end (Dewali) of Fatehsagar Paal, which were locked till now, will be opened with immediate effect. UdaipurTimes, in a conversation with an officer at the UIT, was assured that the gates will be opened with immediate effect.

When the lockdown following the second wave in Udaipur began, access to Fatehsagar was disabled with immediate effect and then it was also converted into a no vehicle zone. Subsequent to the unlock order, when the government announced that public parks and tourist places will be open to public, the access to Fatehsagar from the southern side (Aravali Vatika / Singhal Marg) and UIT end was opened. However, to restrict visitors and morning walkers in order to to prevent a sudden surge of people the gates at the northern end (Dewali/Badi road) were still kept closed.

After the second unlock guidelines, the Dewali end gates used to open from 8am till 4pm. This restriction keeps the early morning walkers away - usually by 8am the area is almost empty, save for the Bambaiya Bazaar.

This resulted in anxiety among the residents of that end, which include Dewali, Neemuchkheda, Kharol Colony, Badgaon, Fatehpura, Vidhya Bhawan colony, Navratan and Panchratan, etc. Those who could drive and cycle, continued to come for their morning walk and exercise to Fatehsagar and Paal from the open access points. However, the elderly and senior citizens, would come every morning, find the gate closed, and used to either walk along the Rani Road or return home.

Why is Fatehsagar Paal important for small children and senior citizens

There are no vehicles allowed on Fatehsagar Paal. Even cycles have been disallowed from the last 2 months. This makes it convenient and low risk for the elderly as they have the convenience of walking freely without the imminent dangers of vehicles; the same goes for children who can come and play at the Paal.

After UdaipurTimes explained this concern to the officers at UIT, they were convinced of the need to open the gates and this is being done with immediate effect. Hopefully the elderly and those accessing Fatehsagar from the northern end will be able to approach the lake as before. We appreciate the support from the Urban Improvement Trust.