Karnataka Cabinet to Withdraw Parks Amendment Bill Following Citizen Backlash
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to withdraw the contentious Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Act, 2026 through an ordinance, following sustained backlash from citizens and Opposition parties across Bengaluru. The legislation had amended the 1975 Act governing the city's key lung spaces, including Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, to permit up to 5 per cent of park land to be utilised for public purposes.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara stated that the government had originally sought to acquire land in Lalbagh, Bengaluru palace, and Cubbon Park in order to facilitate a tunnel project. Following extensive deliberations within the Cabinet, the government opted to withdraw the measure and review contentious clauses, particularly those governing the sale, lease, gift, and mortgage of park properties.
Parameshwara said the bill had been discussed in the legislature but accused the Opposition of avoiding meaningful debate. He stated that the protesting Opposition did not participate in the legislative discussions, but instead politicised the issue and misled the public. The minister confirmed that the government plans to reintroduce the legislation in the next full-fledged legislative session after carrying out public consultations and incorporating modifications based on received suggestions.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar justified the Cabinet's rollback in a post on X, stating that the administration has always respected the sentiments of the people of Karnataka. Shivakumar noted that the decision to withdraw the Parks Bill reflected this commitment, adding that people are the ultimate judges in a democracy. He stated that the government resolved to present its intentions clearly before the public and move forward with the trust of the people by bringing the bill back with necessary amendments.
Additionally, the Cabinet announced that a special three-day session of the legislature will be convened from September 21 to 23. That session will focus on addressing the severe drought impacting farmers and the state economy, alongside discussions on the Dr Kasturirangan report regarding the Western Ghats.
