Tejasvi Surya Opposes Karnataka Move to Allow 5% Park Land Use

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has opposed the Karnataka state cabinet's decision to amend the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, which aims to allow up to 5% of government park land to be used for public purposes, raising major concerns over iconic green spaces like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park.

In a letter addressed to the government, Surya described the proposed amendment as regressive and contrary to public interest. He stated that the change could open the door for parts of public parks to be transferred through sale, lease, gift, exchange, or other means. He underscored that parks are critical spaces supporting urban biodiversity, public health, recreation, and overall quality of life rather than mere government assets, citing Supreme Court rulings that stress the protection of open public areas.

The MP also linked the legislative move to the proposed Bengaluru Tunnel Road project. Surya claimed that the tunnel project would require nearly 1.92 hectares, or roughly five acres, of Lalbagh Botanical Garden to construct a tunnel and shaft. He added that the detailed project report (DPR) also includes plans for parking plazas and commercial complexes surrounding the shaft area.

Highlighting Bengaluru's environmental challenges, Surya pointed out that the city contains roughly 1,353 parks spread across 1,308 acres. He noted that major spaces such as Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are vital buffers against growing concretisation, worsening pollution, rising temperatures, and rainwater management issues.

Surya urged the state government to reconsider the proposed amendment to protect green spaces for future generations. He demanded that the authorities clearly define what constitutes a public purpose and mandate that any diversion of park land be subject to rigorous environmental assessments, strict safeguards, public consultations, and complete transparency.