DK Shivakumar Offers to Review Karnataka Park Land Amendment After Lalbagh Protests

Bengaluru's iconic botanical garden Lalbagh took centre stage on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the state government is willing to review and rediscuss the controversial amendment permitting the use of up to 5% of park and garden land for public infrastructure projects in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

The statement came in the wake of widespread public outcry and demonstrations against The Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation had been passed in both Houses of the Legislature on August 24, 2026, without discussion amidst Opposition protests over the inclusion of B. Nagendra, an accused in the Valmiki Corporation scam, into the state cabinet.

According to sources, the amendment was brought to facilitate the city's tunnel road project by acquiring one acre of land from Lalbagh. The move triggered immediate pushback from environmental groups, civic organisations, and Bengaluru Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party. On August 30, thousands of citizens assembled at Lalbagh to protest against the proposed changes to the law.

Addressing the situation, Mr. Shivakumar stated that he would examine the background of the proposal and investigate prior land allocations. He noted that he would look into why the 5% provision was introduced and scrutinise land transfers executed under earlier administrations, including the BJP government.

"I will get the files and we can discuss the matter again in the Legislative Assembly," Mr. Shivakumar said. He added that the administration would also review earlier instances where land across Bengaluru was allocated for infrastructure, citing the land previously provided from Lalbagh for the Metro project.

Reassuring citizens about the safety of the city's green spaces, Mr. Shivakumar stated, "No one needs to worry. I know how to protect the park land. Decision will be in public interest."

He further indicated that he is receptive to feedback across political lines. "I am open to the suggestions of the Opposition. I will also consider the suggestions of the public. My intention is not to create any confusion," the Chief Minister said.