Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Karnataka Approves 5% Park Land Use Amid Tunnel Road Debate
The Karnataka government passed a new rule about using small parts of public parks for building projects.
The rule allows up to 5% of a park or garden to be used for infrastructure or utilities.
This has raised concerns because a planned tunnel road may need some land from Lalbagh.
Most of that land would be used temporarily, while about one acre could be used permanently.
Adani Enterprises Limited is the lowest bidder for the tunnel project.
Gautam Adani also met Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka said the timing made the decision look suspicious.
The government says the projects are meant to serve the public interest.
The Karnataka Assembly passed a Bill permitting up to 5% of park or garden land for infrastructure and utility projects.
The amendment applies to major public green spaces, including Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.
The proposed 17-kilometre Hebbal–Central Silk Board tunnel road may require about six acres of Lalbagh temporarily and one acre permanently.
Adani Enterprises Limited is the lowest bidder for the tunnel project, and Gautam Adani met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar before the Bill’s passage.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka criticized the timing and alleged the amendment could facilitate the use of green spaces for infrastructure.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Adani Enterprises Limited, and Opposition leader R. Ashoka.
- What
- The Karnataka Assembly passed an amendment allowing up to 5% of public park or garden land to be used for infrastructure and utility projects.
- When
- The Bill was passed on Monday and published on August 24, 2026.
- Where
- Karnataka, including Bengaluru’s Lalbagh and Cubbon Park.
- Why
- The amendment permits park land to be used for projects considered to be in the public interest, including the proposed Hebbal–Central Silk Board tunnel road.
Opposition concerns
Government position
Use of green spaces
Opposition concerns
R. Ashoka said the amendment was intended to facilitate infrastructure projects in parks and alleged that up to 5% of Lalbagh could be used.
Government position
The Bill states that using part of a park or garden for infrastructure or utilities is in furtherance of public interest.
Timing and Adani connection
Opposition concerns
The Opposition questioned the timing of the Bill because Gautam Adani met D.K. Shivakumar shortly before its passage and Adani Enterprises Limited is the tunnel project’s lowest bidder.
Government position
D.K. Shivakumar said Adani met him for the first time since he became Chief Minister and that the group was undertaking several projects in Karnataka.
Tunnel road land requirement
Opposition concerns
Critics are concerned that the proposed road could reduce protected green space, including land at Lalbagh.
Government position
The amendment provides a legal basis for infrastructure or utility projects while describing such use as serving the public interest.
- Maximum land allowed
- Up to 5% of the total area of a park or garden.
- Relevant law
- The Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act.
- Tunnel road
- A proposed 17-kilometre connection between Hebbal and Central Silk Board.
- Lalbagh land requirement
- About six acres temporarily during construction and one acre permanently, according to the report.
- Lowest bidder
- Adani Enterprises Limited.
- Political criticism
- R. Ashoka accused the Congress government of using a double standard on the Adani Group.
- Chief Minister’s statement
- D.K. Shivakumar said it was Gautam Adani’s first meeting with him since he became Chief Minister.