Karnataka cabinet to withdraw park-land Bill after Lalbagh protests

Karnataka’s cabinet has decided to withdraw the Parks (Preservation) Amendment Bill, which would have permitted the use of up to 5% of park and public garden land for development work.

The decision follows weeks of opposition in Bengaluru centred on Lalbagh. The amendment was passed during the monsoon session and sent to the Governor for consent.

Residents and civic groups said the change could clear the way for diversion of Lalbagh land for the proposed 16.5km tunnel road between Hebbal and Silk Board. Thousands gathered at Lalbagh on August 30, where Bengaluru South MP Tejaswi Surya and others embraced the Lalbagh rock in protest.

The tunnel road is proposed as a congestion-reduction measure and has faced opposition over its estimated cost of more than ₹17,500 crore and a proposed user fee. The Bill is awaiting the Governor’s assent.