Overview
- The cabinet decided to withdraw the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, September 3, 2026 after mass protests and political pressure.
- The withdrawn draft would have allowed the state to alienate or permit use of up to 5% of any government park for public infrastructure following a High-Level Committee recommendation.
- Government officials said the measure is meant to avoid repeated parcel-specific laws for public projects and denied any intent to privatise park land.
- Media reports noted the withdrawal could be effected by an ordinance and highlighted links critics made between the draft and a proposed Hebbal–Central Silk Board tunnel road that would affect Lalbagh.
- The 1975 Parks Act has been amended six times in the past to permit specific, named parcel uses and campaigners warn a percentage-based rule could make gradual loss of green cover easier unless tighter safeguards are added.