The Karnataka Cabinet has approved amendments to the Karnataka Parks, Play-Fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act, 1975, allowing a portion of government park land to be used for public infrastructure projects. The decision, taken on August 22, 2026, has triggered strong criticism from opposition leaders, environmental activists and sections of Bengaluru residents.
Under the proposed changes, up to 5% of government park land could reportedly be sold, leased or diverted for public projects. The move has attracted particular attention because of its potential connection with major infrastructure projects, including Bengaluru's proposed tunnel road.
Opposition Calls It a Threat to Bengaluru's Green Spaces
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya strongly criticised the Cabinet decision, describing it as a potential "war against green spaces." He argued that parks and open spaces are essential to Bengaluru's environment and should not be treated simply as land resources for infrastructure development.
Surya has also called for greater public consultation and environmental scrutiny before government-owned park land is diverted. According to critics, the amendment could make it easier for authorities to use spaces that were originally protected for recreation, greenery and public benefit.
Concerns Over Commercialisation
Other critics, including BJP MP PC Mohan and environmental activist Girish Bharadwaj, have reportedly raised concerns about the possibility of gradual commercialisation of Bengaluru's parks.
Opponents fear that allowing even a limited percentage of park land to be diverted could create a precedent for future projects. They argue that the city's remaining green spaces are increasingly valuable as Bengaluru faces traffic congestion, urbanisation, rising temperatures and environmental pressure.
The debate is particularly sensitive because Bengaluru is internationally known as India's "Garden City", with its parks and tree cover forming an important part of the city's identity.
Government's Infrastructure Argument
Supporters of the amendment argue that Bengaluru requires major infrastructure improvements to keep pace with its rapidly growing population and economy.
Large public projects require land, and the government believes that carefully regulated use of a small portion of existing public land could help facilitate essential infrastructure while retaining the majority of park areas.
The proposed 5% limit is being presented as a restriction rather than unrestricted conversion. However, opponents remain concerned about how the provision will be interpreted and implemented.
Tunnel Road at Centre of Controversy
The proposed amendment has also become closely linked to the controversy surrounding Bengaluru's tunnel road project. Critics have questioned whether changes to the parks law are being introduced to facilitate infrastructure projects that could otherwise face legal or environmental obstacles.
Surya has urged the government to ensure that any project involving park land undergoes appropriate environmental assessment and public consultation.
The issue could therefore become an important political and legal flashpoint in Karnataka, particularly as Bengaluru continues to balance infrastructure requirements with environmental protection.
What Happens Next?
The Cabinet's decision is likely to generate further debate before the legislative process is completed. Environmental groups and opposition parties are expected to scrutinise the proposed amendments and their potential impact on Bengaluru's parks.
The central question will be whether the 5% provision remains a tightly controlled mechanism for essential public infrastructure or becomes a pathway for broader diversion of protected open spaces.
For Bengaluru residents, the controversy goes beyond one infrastructure project. It raises a larger question about how the city should accommodate rapid growth while preserving the parks, trees and open spaces that contribute to its environmental quality and identity.
