Overview

• The deputy chief minister announced a ₹10-crore grant to upgrade Lalbagh, including a revamped rose garden, free urinals, a daily on-site doctor with ambulance, and an open gym.
• He rejected reports of a six-acre acquisition, stating about half an acre would host entry and exit near Ashoka Pillar and roughly one acre of parking would be used temporarily for storage and later restored.
• Shivakumar told residents the tunnel route would steer clear of Lalbagh and reiterated that removed plants from the temporary storage zone would be replanted.
• He said tenders for the ₹26,000-crore tunnel project have been called, officials inspected access points, and the contract would go to the best bidder.
• Citizen groups continue to question ecological risks and the lack of a publicly shared environmental assessment, even as officials logged complaints and contacts during the 'Walk with Bengaluru' outreach.