Hundreds of citizens and activists have rallied in Bengaluru to oppose a controversial amendment that allows the government to divert 5% of protected park land for public utilities, sparking fears of ecological destruction.
- The Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 allows the state to alienate up to 5% of park land.
- Iconic spaces like Lalbagh (12 acres) and Cubbon Park (15 acres) are at risk of losing land to infrastructure.
- Activists and politicians argue that the '5% rule' lacks scientific backing and opens the door for real estate encroachment.
In a massive show of civic defiance, hundreds of Bengaluru residents converged at the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden on Sunday. The gathering, part of the "Walk in Lalbagh. Walk for Lalbagh" campaign, was a direct response to the Karnataka Assembly's passage of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation has ignited a fierce debate over the balance between urban infrastructure and environmental conservation.
Under the new provisions of the Bill, the state government is empowered to alienate park land through sale, lease, gift, exchange, or mortgage, provided it does not exceed 5% of the total area. For the city's most prized green lungs, this translates to a significant loss: approximately 12 acres of Lalbagh and 15 acres of Cubbon Park could be diverted for public utility projects. While the government maintains these projects are strictly for public utility by statutory authorities, the public remains skeptical.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this amendment represents a dangerous precedent in urban planning. By quantifying nature into a percentage, the government is treating ecological sanctuaries as disposable real estate assets. The move creates a legal loophole that could eventually be exploited for commercial interests or disruptive infrastructure, such as tunnels or highways, which would permanently shatter the biodiversity of these botanical havens.
"Lalbagh is not a pizza to cut into slices; our demand is to protect these parks from real estate and withdraw the tunnel project."
The protest saw a diverse coalition of voices, including Tejasvi Surya, MP for Bengaluru South, and A.N. Yellappa Reddy, a 90-year-old former government secretary for ecology and environment. Reddy has formally questioned the Chief Secretary, Shalini Rajneesh, demanding the scientific basis for the 5% figure. He argues that there is no ecological study to suggest that removing 5% of an established park does not disrupt its entire ecosystem.
Historically, these parks have served as the city's primary defense against the "urban heat island" effect. Lalbagh, spanning 240 acres, and Cubbon Park, spanning 197 acres, are not merely recreational spots but critical carbon sinks for a city plagued by pollution and rapid concrete expansion.
| Park Name | Total Area | Potential Land Loss (5%) |
|---|---|---|
| Lalbagh Botanical Garden | 240 Acres | ~12 Acres |
| Cubbon Park | 197 Acres | ~15 Acres |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What exactly does the 2026 Amendment Bill allow?
It allows the Karnataka government to alienate up to 5% of protected park land for public utilities via sale, lease, or exchange.
Q2: Why are residents specifically worried about 'real estate'?
Critics fear that once the precedent of 'alienating' park land is set, the definition of 'public utility' could be expanded to allow commercial roads or corporate infrastructure.
