Overview
- The amendment was passed last week without debate and triggered large protests by residents, environmental groups and resident welfare associations who gathered at Lalbagh and other city sites to oppose the change.
- The Cabinet has decided to withdraw the Parks (Preservation) Amendment and will open the proposal to public discussion before seeking to reintroduce it in the legislature.
- Media reports citing unnamed sources say the government may formalize the withdrawal by issuing an ordinance, a step not confirmed in official Cabinet statements.
- The bill would have allowed government bodies to alienate up to five percent of park and garden land by sale, lease or other means and proposed an expert evaluation panel led by the Additional Chief Secretary.
- The controversy has political fallout including opposition petitions to the Governor and calls for Minister B. Nagendra’s resignation, and the reversal is likely to delay the proposed Hebbal–Central Silk Board tunnel that reportedly needs land from Lalbagh.