Tickets at the click of a button was the promise behind reducing the jostling and nudging at counters — an experience that negates the joy of watching blooming flowers at the annual flower show in Lalbagh.
But despite the introduction of an online booking system, long queues were visible at the counters on all 10 days.
Though the Horticulture Department expected at least 10 per cent of the visitors to opt for online booking, people preferred waiting in queue.
According to officials, barely 3,600 people, out of the 2.61 lakh visitors, opted for online booking.
The reason was the lack of benefits attached to the system. “Although I was aware of the online system, I was not keen on it. There were enough counters and tickets were available at the park itself,” said Sheela Sachidananda (50), a resident of Nagarbhavi.
Ananth Murthy, Assistant Director of Horticulture Department, said their feedback from visitors revealed that as there were no restrictions on the number of tickets available in the counters, people did not see an advantage of using the online system. “In a theatre, it makes sense to book tickets online as there are limited seats. Here, however, there was no restriction on entry,” he said. For those who booked tickets online, the method provided easier access. Harish Nickam, a visitor, said, “Instead of waiting in the queue, I could enter directly.”
