Karnataka Unveils Tree Parks, Lake Revival and Police Overhaul for Bengaluru

The Karnataka State government has announced a series of civic, environmental, and administrative initiatives for Bengaluru, including the development of new tree parks modelled on Lalbagh, the rejuvenation of seven lakes, and a comprehensive overhaul of the city's policing infrastructure. The announcements were outlined by DK Shivakumar during Independence Day celebrations in the city.

The proposed tree parks will be developed around Turahalli Mini Forest, Thottikallu Falls, Nettigere, BM Kaval Forest Area, Basavanthara, and the Mandur–Jyotipura area. According to the government, these green spaces are intended to counter pollution linked to vehicular congestion and provide accessible breathing spaces for residents across expanding peripheral zones.

Alongside the parks, the government identified seven water bodies for revival to boost groundwater recharge and reinforce drinking-water security. The lakes slated for restoration interventions include Hesaraghatta, Bettada Kote, Hoskote, Ele Mallappa Shetty, Bannerghatta, Bagaluru, and Byramangala.

The city's law enforcement system is also slated for significant structural changes. The government announced plans to reorganise the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate into five separate commissionerates and set up new police stations where necessary. A dedicated Anti-Rowdy Squad has also been proposed to address crime and enhance public safety.

In education and technology, the government unveiled plans to introduce artificial intelligence lessons from Class VI onward through the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukul programmes. Bengaluru is also slated to host a public AI university, with certificate courses scheduled to begin by January 2027. Additionally, 1,000 government schools across the state are targeted for upgradation into Karnataka Public Schools over the next two years, offering bilingual instruction and digital classrooms for up to 10 lakh students.

For motorists, the state proposed establishing the Karnataka State Motor Vehicle Insurance Corporation to offer affordable insurance coverage and simplify claim settlements following road accidents.