Karnataka clears Bill allowing up to 5% of park land for public projects

Up to 5% of Karnataka’s park and garden land could be alienated for public purposes under a Bill cleared by the State Cabinet on Friday.

Environmental groups, citizen groups and Bengaluru BJP MPs have objected to the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, arguing that it could facilitate land acquisition for the 17.1-km Bengaluru North-South Twin Tunnel Road between Hebbal and Central Silk Board Junction.

Environmental activist Dattatreya T. Devare said petitioners challenging the tunnel project had relied on protections in the existing parks law. The Karnataka High Court, hearing three public interest litigations against the project, directed on July 16 that the tunnel road’s fate would depend on the outcome of the case.

Bengaluru South MP L.S. Tejasvi Surya said the tunnel and a shaft at Lalbagh would require about 1.92 hectares, nearly five acres. He said the detailed project report also proposes parking and a commercial complex around the shaft. Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan said the BJP would oppose the Bill.

It is unclear whether the Bill will be introduced during the ongoing Karnataka Legislature session.