BJP MP Tejasvi Surya led a protest at Bengaluru's Lalbagh Botanical Garden to oppose government plans to use park land for infrastructure [1].
The dispute highlights a growing conflict between Bengaluru's urgent need for urban transit solutions and the preservation of its remaining historic green spaces.
Surya, the Member of Parliament for Bengaluru South, protested against a proposal to build a tunnel road through a portion of the garden [1]. He also opposed a bid to amend the Government Parks (Preservation) Act, which would allow the state to divert up to five percent [4] of government park land for public infrastructure projects.
During the demonstration, which took place around July 19 [3] and 20, 2026, Surya distributed pamphlets to the public. He argued that converting heritage green space into infrastructure undermines the environmental heritage of the city.
"Lalbagh is not for sale; taking its land is not development," Surya said [3].
Beyond the tunnel project, Surya raised concerns regarding a tender that would permit the construction of a five-story [2] commercial complex inside the botanical garden. He said such a development is unacceptable.
Surya indicated that he would lead a delegation to the Governor to request the rejection of the park land amendment. "We will approach the Governor to reject any amendment that allows even five percent [5] of park land to be diverted for public projects," Surya said [5].
The protest focused on both the specific tunnel project and the broader legal change that would enable similar land acquisitions across other government parks in the region [5].
“"Lalbagh is not for sale; taking its land is not development."”
The opposition to the Government Parks (Preservation) Act amendment suggests a potential legal and political battle over urban planning in Karnataka. If the 5% land diversion is approved, it could set a precedent for the commercialization of other protected green zones in Bengaluru to facilitate transit expansion.
