The Karnataka state government has offered to revisit the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following intensive public pushback in Bengaluru. The bill, which passed both houses of the state legislature without extended floor discussion on August 24, altered 1975 legislation to allow up to 5 percent of total park land area to be alienated by sale, lease, gift, or exchange for public utility projects. Environmental activists, civic forums, and residents assembled at the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden on August 30 to voice opposition to the decision. Protesters warned that opening reserved public parks to infrastructural re-allocation could severely degrade Bengaluru's remaining green lungs and alter the character of public open spaces. Opposition leaders, including Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, strongly criticized the amendment, claiming it favored commercial interests over urban ecology. Addressing reporters, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated he would call for official files to inspect how park land provisions were framed and promised to facilitate a fresh discussion in the Legislative Assembly. He invited constructive recommendations from political parties and civil society organizations. The development highlights the sensitive balance between rapid urban infrastructure needs and environmental sustainability in Karnataka's capital.
