Govt decides to withdraw controversial Parks Amendment Bill

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to withdraw the controversial Karnataka Government Parks (Conservation) Amendment Bill following strong opposition from environmentalists, citizens and the Opposition.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday. However, the government is likely to introduce the legislation again in the next Assembly session after making certain amendments.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara said the government had decided to withdraw the bill and put the matter up for further discussion. He said the government would make necessary changes and bring the legislation before the House again.

The amendment had proposed allowing up to five per cent of government park land to be transferred to government departments, statutory bodies or local authorities through sale, lease, gift, exchange or mortgage for public purposes.

The Cabinet had earlier approved amendments to the Karnataka Government Parks (Conservation) Act, 1975, following which the bill was passed by both Houses of the legislature despite Opposition protests. The approved legislation was subsequently sent to the Governor.

The proposal triggered widespread criticism, particularly over concerns that green spaces in Bengaluru, including Lalbagh, could be affected. BJP MP Tejas Surya had urged the Governor to return the bill for reconsideration. The BJP had also planned protests in Bengaluru on September 5 and 6. Amid growing public opposition, the government has now opted to withdraw the bill and reconsider its provisions.