Karnataka clears amendments to allow 5% park land for public projects

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, during its meeting on Friday, enabling portions of protected park and garden land to be allocated for specified public purposes. Under the amended legislation, alienation of park land—through sale, lease, gift, exchange or mortgage—would be permissible up to five per cent of any designated green space's total extent.

The revised Act restricts usage rights to government departments, statutory authorities, state-owned companies and local authorities undertaking public infrastructure or utility projects. Private entities would be excluded from accessing the alienated portions under the proposed framework.

The amendment gains significance against the backdrop of the proposed 17-kilometre tunnel road project linking Hebbal and Central Silk Board, which reportedly necessitates land acquisition from protected park areas. The Cabinet's approval provides the legislative basis for such infrastructure projects to proceed while maintaining some preservation safeguards through the five per cent cap.

The decision has invited opposition on environmental conservation grounds, with environmental advocates flagging concerns about the precedent for encroaching upon Bengaluru's dwindling green cover, despite the restrictions embedded in the amendment.