Karnataka Parks Bill Row: DK Shivakumar Says Government Ready For Further Discussion
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said the government is open to discussing the parks amendment again if necessary, amid growing concerns over Bengaluru’s green spaces.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the government was prepared to reconsider the Karnataka Government Parks Protection Amendment Bill 2026 if the situation required another discussion in the Assembly.
He said any decision would be taken keeping the broader public interest in mind. His remarks come at a time when the amendment has triggered a political debate over the protection and future use of some of Bengaluru’s important green areas.
The legislation has already been passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature. It seeks to amend the existing 1975 law governing government parks and has drawn particular attention because it covers major green spaces in Bengaluru, including Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.
The issue gained further momentum after Bengaluru residents took part in an awareness walk on Sunday. The programme was led by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, with participants raising concerns about the possible impact of the amendment on the city’s green spaces.
The BJP and JD(S) have opposed the bill and have also approached the Governor, requesting that approval not be given to the legislation. The opposition has questioned the manner in which the bill was passed, particularly because it was approved last week while opposition members were protesting in the Assembly and Legislative Council over demands for Minister B Nagendra’s resignation.
The controversy is also being linked to the proposed 17 kilometre tunnel road project planned between Hebbal and Central Silk Board. The project has increased public attention on the use of land in and around Bengaluru’s major parks.
According to information cited in the discussion, around six acres of land at Lalbagh may be required temporarily for the proposed project, while another one acre could be needed permanently. This has raised concerns among those seeking stronger protection for the city’s established green areas.
Shivakumar, however, maintained that the government understands the importance of protecting Bengaluru’s parks. He said he could explain in detail what had been done by the previous BJP government regarding park protection and indicated that the present government was willing to examine the matter further.
The debate now centres on how Bengaluru can balance infrastructure development with the protection of its limited green spaces. With political parties, residents and environmental concerns becoming part of the discussion, the government’s next steps on the amendment are likely to remain under close watch.
