BENGALURU
The Karnataka state cabinet has approved a major amendment bill allowing up to 5 percent of government park land to be used for public purposes.
The cabinet meeting cleared the proposed revision to the Karnataka Government Parks Conservation Act of 1975, which was formulated by the horticulture department. Under the updated rules, a maximum of 5 percent of total park areas across the state can be utilized for public projects through sales, leases, gifts, or other legal transfers.
Government departments, statutory authorities, and local bodies will be permitted to use these designated spaces within park boundaries. To oversee these allocations, the bill proposes a formal assessment system headed by the additional chief secretary alongside field experts. Furthermore, major horticultural projects, cold storage facilities, and agro-processing centers supporting local farmers will be allowed within separate horticulture zones.
However, this decision has sparked strong opposition from residents across Bengaluru. Local citizens and community groups are deeply concerned that commercializing park spaces will shrink vital green cover and reduce recreational areas meant for children and seniors. Critics argue that utilizing public open spaces for development projects sets a worrying precedent.
Residents have urged the government to protect natural ecosystems and preserve green spaces rather than allow commercial or administrative expansion within public parks. The bill is expected to be introduced during the ongoing assembly session, where lively debates are anticipated as lawmakers address the competing demands of urban infrastructure development and environmental protection.
