Bengaluru Residents Protest Parks Amendment Bill Over Land Concerns

Thousands of Bengaluru citizens, urban activists, and environmental advocates have assembled at the city's historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden to protest the proposed Karnataka Parks Amendment Bill. The demonstration, held under the 'Save Lalbagh' banner, represents one of the largest civic environmental gatherings in the city in recent years. Citizens expressed deep concerns that legislative modifications to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act would open protected public green spaces to commercial construction and infrastructure projects, threatening the city's limited green cover.

The core controversy stems from fears that the legislative change is designed to facilitate land acquisition for the planned Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road. Civic organizations, including the Mysore Grahakara Parishat, have warned that relaxing existing preservation laws would set a dangerous precedent, allowing for the utilization of protected heritage sites and botanical gardens under the guise of urban development. Opponents are firmly demanding that the state government withdraw any provisions that would permit the diversion of parkland for public transit or commercial usage.

The widespread civic pushback has forced state authorities to re-examine urban development policies against environmental protection frameworks. Protestors have utilized various methods of resistance, including a postcard campaign and organized walks, to signal their disapproval. Environmental organizations have announced plans to challenge the amendment in court if the bill proceeds without modification. As rapid urban expansion continues across Karnataka, the movement at Lalbagh creates a critical landmark for urban park protection and forces the state government to consider potential revisions to the bill following these large-scale demonstrations.