A major row has erupted over the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act Amendment Bill, 2026, which allows up to 5% of park land to be used for infrastructure. Data shows the state manages only 28 major gardens, while iconic spaces like Lalbagh face potential impact from tunnel projects.

  • The 2026 Amendment allows 5% of park/garden area for public utility projects.
  • The Horticulture Department manages only 28 major parks across 1,287 acres.
  • Lalbagh is currently under consideration for the proposed tunnel road project.
  • Experts warn that infrastructure digging will lead to biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.

The passage of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act Amendment Bill, 2026 has ignited a fierce debate regarding the future of urban greenery. According to recent data from the Horticulture Department, the state manages only 28 major parks and botanical gardens spread over 1,287 acres. This is a fraction of the total 5,000 parks in the state, many of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and various municipal corporations.

The crux of the controversy lies in the new amendment, which permits up to 5% of any park or garden to be utilized for public infrastructure or utility projects. This provision has raised alarms among environmentalists, especially since Bengaluru’s premier green space, Lalbagh, is being considered for the upcoming tunnel road project.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this amendment represents a significant shift in urban governance, potentially prioritizing rapid infrastructure expansion over long-term ecological stability. The '5% rule' could set a precedent for incremental encroachment on urban green lungs across the country.

Whenever an infrastructure project is implemented, some digging is inevitable, which loosens the soil and leads to the disappearance of habitats for birds, insects, and mammals.

In defense of the state's management, senior officials have pointed out that Karnataka remains ahead of neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in terms of large-scale botanical gardens. While Tamil Nadu boasts the 55-acre Ooty Botanical Garden, officials argue that Bengaluru's Cubbon Park and Lalbagh are far superior in scale and importance. Since 2011, several major gardens have been developed, including those in Tumakuru, Mysuru, and Sirsi.

However, the human cost of losing these spaces is being highlighted by academics. Seema Mandoli, a faculty member at Azim Premji University, noted the severe lack of accessible green spaces in rapidly growing areas like Sarjapur and Electronic City. She emphasized that parks are essential for mental health and physical well-being, offering a vital reprieve from the stresses of urban life.

Historically, Bengaluru has earned its reputation as the 'Garden City.' However, the current legislative move threatens to alter this identity forever. The tension between the need for modern connectivity (like tunnel roads) and the preservation of biodiversity remains the central conflict of this legislative battle.

Did You Know?: The distinction between managed botanical gardens and municipal neighborhood parks is vast, with the former serving as critical genetic reservoirs for plant species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What does the new amendment specifically allow?
Answer: It allows up to 5% of the land within any managed park or garden to be used for public infrastructure or utility projects.

Question 2: How will construction affect local wildlife?
Answer: Construction involves soil loosening and tree removal, which destroys habitats for birds, reptiles, insects, and small mammals.