Published Sep 03, 2026 | 5:26 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 03, 2026 | 8:11 PM
The bill was seen by critics as attempts to ease legal hurdles for the contentious tunnel road project.
Synopsis: Karnataka Cabinet has decided to withdraw the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, following opposition from citizens, environmental groups and political parties over its impact on Lalbagh, Cubbon Park and other green spaces. The Bill, passed without substantive debate on 24 August and sent to the Governor, would allow up to 5 percent of protected parkland to be used for public projects.
The Karnataka Government has decided to withdraw the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, following widespread backlash from citizens, environmental groups and opposition parties, over its impact on Lalbagh, Cubbon Park and other green spaces in the city.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 3 September. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the government would withdraw the Bill and reintroduce it in the next assembly session after discussion in the public domain.
The Bill had been passed by the Legislature on 24 August along with the BMLTA (Amendment) Bill, without substantive debate, and was subsequently sent to the Governor.
The amendment to the parks law would permit up to 5 percent of protected parkland to be used for public utilities. It would also provide retrospective clearances for specified public infrastructure and utility projects.
Both bills were seen by critics as attempts to ease legal hurdles for the contentious tunnel road project, proposed between Hebbal in north Bengaluru and Central Silk Board in South east.
The project calls for around six acres of Lalbagh land temporarily and one acre permanently.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the decision to withdraw the Karnataka Parks Conservation Amendment Bill reflected the people’s sentiments.
“Taking into consideration the public opinion, concerns and sentiments, the government has decided to present its intentions more clearly before the people and reintroduce the Bill with the necessary amendments.
In a democracy, the people are the ultimate judges. It is the resolve of our government to honestly place our intentions before the court of public opinion and move forward with the people’s trust,” he said in a post on X.
Our government has always respected the sentiments of the people of Karnataka.
The Cabinet’s decision to withdraw the Karnataka Parks Conservation Amendment Bill is also a reflection of this commitment to the people.
Taking into consideration the public opinion, concerns and…
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 3, 2026
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