The Karnataka government has passed the Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 [2], allowing a portion of park land for infrastructure projects.
The move creates a legal pathway to repurpose protected green spaces for public utilities, sparking a conflict between urban development goals and environmental preservation in Bengaluru.
Under the new legislation, the state can divert up to five percent [1] of land designated for parks and gardens to be used for public infrastructure and utility projects. The bill was advanced by the state government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Government officials said the amendment is necessary to free up land for essential infrastructure development. By allowing a small percentage of green space to be repurposed, the administration aims to address the growing needs of the state's urban utility networks.
However, the move has faced immediate pushback from opposition parties and civil society. The BJP has opposed the move, arguing that the amendment undermines the preservation of the state's remaining green lungs.
In Bengaluru, green activists have begun mobilizing against the diversion of park land. Environmental groups said the five percent threshold could set a dangerous precedent, leading to the gradual erosion of public parks, and the loss of critical urban biodiversity.
Critics argue that the government should seek alternative land for infrastructure rather than encroaching on spaces specifically preserved for public recreation and ecological health. The debate highlights the ongoing tension in Karnataka between rapid urbanization and the protection of the natural environment.
“The state can divert up to five percent of land designated for parks and gardens.”
This legislation represents a shift in Karnataka's land-use priority, signaling that the government views urban infrastructure as a higher immediate priority than absolute park preservation. While the five percent limit is presented as a modest compromise, the legal ability to repurpose protected land often leads to increased pressure on urban green spaces as cities expand.
