Karnataka cabinet clears bill to use up to 5% parkland
Karnataka's cabinet just cleared a bill that lets the government use up to 5% of park and garden land for public infrastructure, such as roads or utilities.
The land can be handed over to government departments, statutory authorities, state-owned companies or local bodies in different ways, by sale, lease, gift, exchange or mortgage.
Experts to review proposals, BJP opposes
A special committee with experts will review each proposal to help limit environmental damage.
Still, the BJP isn't happy: Bangalore South BJP MP Tejasvi Surya says this could put Bengaluru's iconic green spaces, like Lalbagh, at risk, especially with big projects such as the planned tunnel road.
The party has promised to fight the bill in the legislature, worried it might facilitate real estate development in parks across the state.