Karnataka Parks Bill to Return in Revised Form, Says Deputy CM
Karnataka's parks amendment bill will be revised and reintroduced, not fully withdrawn, says Deputy CM Parameshwara.
The Karnataka government has indicated that its controversial Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, will not be scrapped entirely. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said on Thursday that the legislation would be reworked and brought back to the Assembly, following public criticism and feedback.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara acknowledged the public discourse around the Bill, stating that the government would review specific clauses — particularly those concerning the lease, mortgage, and sale of park land — before making appropriate changes. He suggested that the feedback would help shape the final decision.
The announcement comes after the government faced backlash over provisions that would have permitted the general diversion of up to 5% of land in government parks. The Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, has been amended six times previously, but each instance was project-specific, allowing the use of designated park areas for identified public works.
The now-paused Bill sought to create a broader, non-project-specific provision. However, with the revision, the government could still pursue the proposed Tunnel Road project by introducing a fresh, project-specific amendment to the Act. This would allow the alienation of land in Lalbagh or other parks for the infrastructure initiative without relying on the general provision.
The exact timeline for the revised Bill's introduction has not been announced.