In a major political rollback, the Karnataka Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar decided to withdraw the controversial Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation had been passed without discussion during the recent monsoon session of the state legislature and was pending before Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for his assent.
The bill sparked widespread public outrage and civic activism across Bengaluru after reports revealed that its provisions could be used to divert portions of historic green spaces, including the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, for the city's proposed 17-kilometer Tunnel Road project connecting Hebbal to Central Silk Board. Civil society groups, resident welfare associations, and environmental experts staged protests and launched public campaigns demanding the protection of urban green cover.
Opposition parties, including the BJP, capitalized on the public discontent to attack the government, appealing directly to the Governor to withhold his approval. Addressing the media, government representatives stated that the decision to withdraw the bill was made to respect public sentiment and ensure comprehensive stakeholder consultations. The draft will be placed in the public domain for discussion before any future legislative attempt, offering a major victory for civic activists in Bengaluru.
