Karnataka pauses Parks Preservation Act amendment after Lalbagh protests
Karnataka just dropped its proposal to change the Parks Preservation Act, which would have allowed up to 5% of parkland to be used for public projects.
After big protests from the opposition BJP and civil society groups, especially over plans that could impact Bengaluru's iconic Lalbagh garden, the government decided to pause, get public input, and rethink the bill before bringing it back.
Tunnel plan would affect Lalbagh land
The amendment would have opened the door for things like a 17-km tunnel road project connecting Hebbal and Central Silk Board, affecting around six acres of Lalbagh land temporarily and one acre permanently, raising fears about losing green spaces and heritage sites.
Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara rejected the interpretation that the government was seeking to take five per cent of Lalbagh itself or a fixed five-acre portion of the botanical garden for the tunnel road project, and said the provisions on lease, sale, gift would be reconsidered.
Chief Minister Shivakumar said pulling back shows they are listening and want decisions out in the open.