BENGALURU
A plan to establish an international flower market at the Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) campus in north Bengaluru has effectively been shelved following intense public opposition over the proposed felling of nearly 900 trees. Although a review meeting held on November 12 did not arrive at a final decision, official records show that the government is seriously exploring alternative locations, placing the GKVK proposal in cold storage.
At least four potential sites are now under consideration:
• 30 acres in Byatarayanapura (currently under arbitration as per a High Court order)
• Land near Electronic City, with scope to relocate KR Market flower traders
• Upgradation of the Binnypet APMC flower market
• Implementation of the long-pending Binnypet DPR
The initial proposal sparked widespread mobilisation under the Save GKVK campaign, uniting environmental activists, students, neighbourhood groups, and farmer organisations. Their primary concern was the ecological impact, as the project required either cutting or translocating a large number of mature trees.
During the November 12 meeting, officials from the horticulture and agricultural marketing departments, the University of Horticultural Sciences, and the International Flower Auction Bengaluru reassessed the plan. According to the minutes, significant reservations were expressed about situating the market inside the GKVK campus. A senior university official noted that GKVK needs 150 acres to maintain its Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) accreditation but currently has only 125 acres.
In response, the horticulture secretary directed officials to review land-ownership documents and confirm that no legal issues obstruct the institution’s boundaries.
Meanwhile, discussions on alternative sites revealed complexities. Agricultural Marketing Joint Director V. Rajanna highlighted that the Byatarayanapura land remains stuck in arbitration, while land near Electronic City could offer logistical advantages. Officials also revisited the proposal to upgrade the Binnypet APMC market — a project with a Detailed Project Report prepared nearly five years ago but yet to be implemented.
The government is expected to continue evaluating feasible options before finalising a location for the international flower market.