A massive coalition of citizens and civil society groups has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a Karnataka government amendment that allows up to 5% of park land to be diverted for infrastructure projects. Protesters formed a human chain at Lalbagh to safeguard the city's shrinking green cover.
- Citizens formed a human chain around Lalbagh Rock to protest park land diversion.
- The protest targets an amendment to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975.
- The amendment allows up to 5% of park area for public infrastructure projects.
- Experts highlight that parks reduce local temperatures by an average of 2.23°C.
In a powerful display of civic activism, over 200 citizens, resident associations, and civil society groups gathered at Lalbagh on Thursday to protest against the potential loss of Bengaluru's green spaces. Under the rallying cry “Not 5%, Not one inch. Leave our parks alone,” the coalition demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar roll back a controversial amendment to the state's park preservation laws.
The controversy stems from a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975. The amendment seeks to permit the alienation of up to 5% of park land for public infrastructure projects. Activists argue that this move fundamentally contradicts the very purpose of the parent legislation, which was designed to preserve and protect these ecological zones.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Bengaluru is currently at a critical ecological tipping point. As the city faces rising temperatures and shrinking green cover, the diversion of even small portions of existing parks could exacerbate the 'Urban Heat Island' effect and reduce the city's overall climate resilience.
Parks are not merely vacant plots of land; they are essential natural infrastructure providing climate regulation and biodiversity support.
Kathyayini Chamaraj, Executive Trustee of CIVIC, emphasized that the government cannot use amendments to bypass the core objective of the 1975 Act. Similarly, Selomi Garnaik from Greenpeace India warned against treating public green spaces as 'surplus land' rather than essential environmental safeguards.
Scientific data supports the protesters' concerns. Research indicates that urban green spaces in Bengaluru play a vital role in temperature regulation. A study of 262 green spaces found that parks are, on average, 2.23 degrees Celsius cooler than their surroundings, with a cooling effect that extends up to 347 meters beyond their boundaries.
| Feature | Current Status (Pre-Amendment) | Proposed Amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Park Land Use | Strictly for ecological & recreation | Up to 5% for infrastructure |
| Legal Objective | Preservation & Protection | Potential fragmentation/diversion |
| Climate Impact | Natural cooling & biodiversity | Risk of increased urban heat |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the specific demand of the protesters?
The coalition demands the total withdrawal of the amendment and the formal recognition of parks as essential infrastructure in urban planning.
2. How do parks help Bengaluru's climate?
Parks act as natural air conditioners, cooling the immediate vicinity by over 2 degrees Celsius and helping in rainwater management.
