The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a Bill proposing amendments to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, up to 5% of the total area of a notified government park or garden to be considered for specified public infrastructure and utility projects. The proposed change has triggered criticisms from environmentalists, urban planners and opposition leaders who have raised concerns over the remaining green spaces in Bengaluru.
What does the Karnataka Parkland Amendment propose?
Under the proposed amendment, up to 5 percent of the total area of a park or garden can be alienated for specified public purposes through sale, lease, gift, exchange or mortgage. The provision would apply to government departments, statutory authorities, state-owned companies and local authorities undertaking public infrastructure or utility projects. A high-level committee headed by an Additional Chief Secretary-rank officer and comprising domain experts would examine proposals before recommending the use of parkland.
The proposed change would alter the existing framework under the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, which provides protection to parks and restricts the alienation of land and buildings within them.
Why has the Karnataka government proposed the amendment?
The state government has argued that the amendment is necessary because of the difficulty in securing land for essential public infrastructure and utility projects in densely developed urban areas. According to the government, permitting the limited use of parkland could help facilitate such projects while the proposed 5% ceiling would prevent large-scale diversion and protect the majority of each park or garden. However, it is not yet clear whether authorities will be required to demonstrate that alternative sites were considered before seeking permission to use protected parkland.
Why are environmentalists opposing the bill?
The move has drawn particular attention in Bengaluru because of the proposed 17-km Hebbal–Central Silk Board tunnel road. Reports indicate that the project requires around six acres of Lalbagh land on a temporary basis and one acre permanently. BJP leaders and environmentalists have alleged that the proposed amendment could lead to the use of Lalbagh land for the tunnel road. However, this remains an allegation, and the reports do not establish that the amendment was made specifically for this project.
Environmentalists have argued that the parks are essential to the region, being a reservoir for biodiversity, controlling temperatures and offering green spaces Additionally, they have raised concerns that allowing parkland to be used for infrastructure could open the doors for similar demands in the future.
What could it mean for Bengaluru’s urban development?
For Bengaluru's real estate sector, the proposed amendment is significant from a broader land-use and urban planning perspective. Infrastructure projects can improve connectivity and influence the growth of residential and commercial areas. At the same time, the availability of green spaces remains an important part of sustainable urban development.
What happens next?
The Bill must now be considered by the Karnataka legislature. Until it is passed and receives the required assent, the proposed 5% provision will not become law. Individual infrastructure projects involving parkland may also require separate statutory, environmental and judicial clearances.
