Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Bengaluru Citizens Challenge Withdrawn 5% Park Land Rule
Bengaluru has two famous green spaces called Lalbagh and Cubbon Park.
The Karnataka government proposed a rule that could have used up to 5% of protected park land for infrastructure.
This might have affected about 12 acres of Lalbagh and 15 acres of Cubbon Park.
Many citizens, environmentalists and park users protested the idea.
They said Bengaluru needs to protect its remaining green spaces as the city grows.
Some protesters connected the plan to a proposed tunnel road.
The government later withdrew the amendment after protests and political opposition.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the plan was meant to help projects such as Metro expansion and needed more discussion.
Citizens, environmentalists and park users protested a Karnataka amendment allowing up to 5% of protected park land for infrastructure and utilities.
The provision could have affected about 12 acres of Lalbagh and 15 acres of Cubbon Park.
Protesters connected the controversy to the proposed tunnel road project and opposed sacrificing established parks for development.
The Karnataka government withdrew the amendment after widespread protests and political opposition.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said further discussion was needed and that the proposal aimed to support projects such as Metro expansion, not sell public parks.
- Who
- Bengaluru citizens, environmentalists, park users, the Karnataka government and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
- What
- A proposed amendment allowing up to 5% of protected park land for public infrastructure and utility projects was withdrawn.
- When
- The amendment was withdrawn after widespread protests and political opposition; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The government said the provision would facilitate infrastructure projects, including Metro expansion, while protesters said Bengaluru’s remaining green spaces should be protected.
Park Protection Advocates
Infrastructure Planners
Use of protected park land
Park Protection Advocates
Citizens, environmentalists and park users opposed allowing infrastructure and utility projects on up to 5% of protected park land, warning that established green spaces could be sacrificed for development.
Infrastructure Planners
The Karnataka government said the provision was intended to facilitate infrastructure projects, including Metro expansion, and not to sell public parks.
Response to Bengaluru’s growth
Park Protection Advocates
Protesters argued that the city’s remaining green spaces must be protected as Bengaluru expands.
Infrastructure Planners
The government maintained that further discussion was needed on a proposal designed to support the city’s infrastructure needs.
- Proposed land-use limit
- Up to 5% of protected park land
- Potential Lalbagh impact
- About 12 acres
- Potential Cubbon Park impact
- About 15 acres
- Public response
- Citizens, environmentalists and park users rallied against the amendment
- Government action
- The Karnataka government withdrew the amendment
- Government explanation
- Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said it was intended to facilitate infrastructure projects, including Metro expansion
- Related project
- Protesters linked the controversy to the proposed tunnel road project