MP Tejaswi Surya protested at Lalbagh Botanical Garden against using park land for Bengaluru’s tunnel road project, urging public action to protect it.
BENGALURU
Bangalore South MP Tejaswi Surya staged a unique protest at the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, opposing the state government’s proposal to use park land for the North-South Tunnel Road project.
Surya directly distributed pamphlets titled “Lalbagh is for Sale” to local visitors and residents, urging citizens to build a massive public movement to protect the city’s green spaces.
Protest Focus mainly at opposition leaders and local environmentalists strongly oppose acquiring parts of the historic botanical garden for major urban road construction.
While state officials maintain that affected areas will be restored after construction finishes, critics argue that sacrificing Bengaluru’s irreplaceable green heritage for real estate development sets a dangerous precedent. Activists insist the infrastructure project must be completely rerouted away from the iconic garden.
Arguments surrounding the project:
- Government Plan: An affidavit filed in the High Court states the project temporarily requires 2.37 hectares (2.47%) of the park, with 1.92 hectares needed permanently for the Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road.
- Environmental Risk: Opponents emphasize that Lalbagh is a vital green belt, critical for recharging groundwater and protecting the fragile Lalbagh Lake ecosystem.
- Real Estate Allegations: Surya alleged that project documents allow the contractor to build a five-story commercial complex on the acquired park land, trading green heritage for private profit.