Karnataka Parks Bill 2026 faces opposition from Union Minister and MP

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya have urged Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot to withhold assent or return the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Karandlaje expressed concern that the bill allows for the alienation of up to 5% of park and garden land through sale, lease, gift, or mortgage to various state departments and authorities. She argued this provision fundamentally alters the protective nature of the 1975 Act and dilutes statutory protections for public green spaces.

Tejasvi Surya, leading a delegation of citizens and officials, met with the Governor to highlight the risks of irreversible land diversion. In Bengaluru alone, a 5% diversion could impact approximately 65.4 acres of park land. Surya also raised concerns regarding the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (Amendment) Act, 2026, alleging it seeks to retrospectively validate projects and undermine institutional scrutiny.