In a move that keeps environmental advocates on alert, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara indicated Thursday that the controversial parks bill isn’t being scrapped entirely—it’s just undergoing a rethink. The government plans to review public feedback and adjust clauses before bringing a revised version back to the Assembly.

Key facts

  • The Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is not fully withdrawn.
  • Changes will focus on clauses related to lease, mortgage, and sale of park land.
  • The bill has been amended six times since the original 1975 Act.

What’s changing—and what isn’t

Parameshwara’s statement suggests the government is listening—but not backing down. Previous amendments to the Parks Act were project-specific, allowing limited use of parkland for public works. The withdrawn bill, however, aimed to permit general diversion of up to 5% of park land. Now, the focus returns to targeted adjustments.

“There has been public feedback on the Bill. We are also aware of the discussion in public, which will help us make a decision. We will review the clauses, especially those on lease/mortgage/sale and others, after which appropriate changes will be made.”

That measured tone hints at compromise, but also resolve. If the tunnel road project stays on its current path, the government could still acquire Lalbagh land through a project-specific amendment rather than a broad-brush approach.

A history of adaptations

This isn’t the first time the 1975 Act has been tweaked. Section 5 was designed precisely for this kind of negotiation—enabling the use of parkland for public projects when necessary. What’s new this time is the proposal to allow general alienation rather than case-by-case approvals.

For now, the government is stepping back to reevaluate. But the door remains open—and that has many watching closely.