Forest Department Proposes Urban Parks at Turahalli and BM Kaval

The Karnataka Forest Department has identified seven locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru, including Turahalli, BM Kaval, and Nettigere, to develop experiential urban forests. The proposal seeks to open several of the city's remaining green patches to nature-based activities, though wildlife conservationists have raised strong objections, warning that the initiative could harm vital habitats and escalate human-wildlife conflict.

Under the department's plan, 12.5 kilometres of trekking trails are proposed across Thottikallu Falls in Gulakamale, Nettigere, and the Turahalli Minor and State Forests. The blueprint also includes 50-acre tree parks each in BM Kaval State Forest and Basavanatara State Forest, alongside a 100-acre Bamboo Arboretum situated in the Mandur–Jothipura Deemed Forest.

The proposed visitor experiences encompass guided trekking, biodiversity walks, waterfall interpretation trails, birdwatching, butterfly observation, forest photography, and nature journaling. The department also envisions outdoor environmental education, sunrise and monsoon walks, mindfulness and wellness sessions, citizen science, and astronomy programmes. At the Mandur–Jothipura site, the planned arboretum would feature a bamboo interpretation centre, craft demonstrations, grove trails, and bamboo-themed adventure play zones.

However, wildlife researchers and conservationists contend that these pockets are among the last intact natural habitats around the city. Remaining areas like BM Kaval and Turahalli host leopards and other wildlife, while several proposed trekking routes lie close to elephant movement corridors. Conservationists argue that forests cannot simultaneously serve as undisturbed animal habitats and developed recreational spaces, warning that intrusion will displace animals and worsen conflict.

Environmentalists also fear that opening forest land will inevitably trigger demands for support infrastructure, such as parking lots, food stalls, restrooms, and rest areas, gradually eroding the natural ecosystem. They noted that any activity in forest zones requires clearance under the respective division's Annual Working Plan, pointing out that the Bengaluru Division's plan expired in 2023 and the revised plan is still awaiting approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Defending the initiative, the Forest Department stated that the project will promote sustainable ecotourism and generate green livelihoods for local communities. Sivasankar S, Conservator of Forests for the Bangalore Division, said the project is currently in the Detailed Project Report preparation stage. He stated that the new draft working plan will soon be submitted to the ministry for approval, noting that the project complies with both the draft plan and the National Eco-Tourism Policy.