Tejasvi Surya Protests Lalbagh Land Proposal With Lalbagh For Sale Campaign
The Bengaluru South MP opposed the proposed use of Lalbagh land for a tunnel road project saying the city must protect its green spaces environment and ecological heritage
A fresh political debate has emerged in Bengaluru over the proposed North South Tunnel Road project after Bengaluru South Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya staged a public protest against the plan to use a portion of Lalbagh Botanical Garden for the project.
On Sunday morning, the MP visited Lalbagh and distributed pamphlets carrying the message Lalbagh For Sale to residents and visitors. Through the campaign, he urged citizens to oppose the proposal and called for wider public participation to protect one of Bengaluru’s most well known green spaces.
The state government’s proposal involves using around five acres of land within the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden for the planned tunnel road connecting Hebbal and Silk Board. The proposal has triggered concerns among environmental groups, residents, and opposition leaders who believe the project could affect the city’s ecological balance.
Speaking during the protest, Tejasvi Surya said Lalbagh is not just a public park but an important environmental asset for Bengaluru. He argued that the botanical garden plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, supports biodiversity, and helps preserve the ecosystem surrounding Lalbagh Lake.
The MP said the movement was not against infrastructure development but against projects that could permanently affect Bengaluru’s remaining green cover. He appealed to citizens to raise their voices and ensure that the project does not move forward within the Lalbagh premises.
The debate has also focused on details submitted by the state government before the Karnataka High Court. According to the government’s affidavit, Lalbagh covers nearly 97 hectares, and only about 2.37 hectares including temporary construction areas are proposed for the project. It further stated that permanent use would be limited to around 1.92 hectares, representing a small portion of the total garden area, and that the affected land would be restored after the construction work is completed.
However, Tejasvi Surya questioned those assurances and alleged that the detailed project report and tender documents permit commercial development on the acquired land. He claimed that provisions allowing the construction of a multi storey commercial complex raise concerns that the project could eventually benefit real estate interests rather than serving only transportation needs.
The issue has sparked a wider discussion about balancing urban infrastructure with environmental conservation. Supporters of the project argue that improved road connectivity is necessary to reduce traffic congestion, while opponents insist that historic green spaces like Lalbagh should remain protected from permanent development.
As discussions continue, the future of the proposed tunnel road and its impact on Lalbagh is likely to remain a key topic in Bengaluru’s ongoing debate over sustainable urban planning and environmental preservation.
