Karnataka Government Withdraws Controversial Parks Preservation Amendment Bill

The Government of Karnataka withdrew the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on September 3, 2026, after widespread protests from civil society, environmental groups, and opposition parties. The legislation, which had already passed both houses of the state legislature and was awaiting the Governor's consent, would have permitted the state to alienate up to 5% of park and garden land for public infrastructure through sale, lease, or gift.

Opponents argued the bill threatened Bengaluru's green cover and specifically feared it would facilitate a tunnel road project requiring land from the landmark Lalbagh botanical garden. While Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated the rollback reflects a commitment to public sentiment, opposition leaders from the BJP characterized the move as a victory for their "Save Parks, Save Bengaluru" campaign. Reports also indicate that AICC leader Rahul Gandhi influenced the decision by advising the state government to conduct wider consultations.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced that the government will notify Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot of the withdrawal. He stated that the proposal will be placed in the public domain for discussion before an amended version is reintroduced in the next Assembly session. Legal advisor A.S. Ponnanna defended the original intent of the bill, rejecting claims that park lands were being sold and asserting that the government acted in a responsible manner.