Karnataka Parks Bill Not Fully Withdrawn, Will Return Amended: Parameshwara
· India · The Hindu, Deccan Herald
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said on Thursday that the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has not been completely withdrawn and will return to the Assembly in a revised form. The government will review clauses related to lease, mortgage, and sale of park land after considering public feedback and ongoing public discussion, he said. The Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975 has been amended six times previously, with Section 5 created to allow alienation of specific park portions for identified public projects. While the rolled-back Bill proposed general diversion of up to 5% of park land, the government can still acquire land for the Tunnel Road project by introducing a project-specific amendment to the Act. Parameshwara's remarks indicate the Bill's underlying purpose of enabling infrastructure projects in Bengaluru's park spaces remains intact despite the political retreat.
Why it matters
Bengaluru residents and conservationists who opposed the Bill gain only a temporary reprieve, as the government retains the legal route to alienate park land — including at Lalbagh — for projects like the Tunnel Road through a revised, project-specific amendment.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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