Karnataka government withdraws controversial Parks Preservation Bill

The Karnataka government has decided to withdraw the Karnataka Parks Preservation (Amendment) Bill following significant public opposition and protests from opposition parties. The controversial legislation sought to allow the diversion of up to 5% of government park land for public utility projects without requiring a separate legislative amendment for each instance.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced that the government will inform the Governor of the decision and intends to reintroduce the Bill in the next Assembly session. Before reintroduction, the government plans to place the proposal in the public domain to seek opinions and suggestions from stakeholders and the general public.

Government officials, including Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A. S. Ponnanna, defended the original intent of the amendment, stating it was designed to streamline public projects rather than allow the sale of park land for private use. However, the decision to withdraw comes after protests, including at Lalbagh, where concerns were raised that the amendment could facilitate projects such as the Chief Minister’s tunnel road initiative.