Amid intense pushback, Karnataka Cabinet decides to withdraw controversial Parks amendment Bill
The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to withdraw the controversial Parks Amendment Bill following intense public and political backlash. The government plans to hold public discussions before reintroducing the bill, which had proposed allowing infrastructure development on park land.
Why it matters
This demonstrates the impact of civil society and environmental activism on urban planning and legislative processes in India.
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday (September 3, 2026) decided to withdraw the controversial Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 , that allowed alienation of upto 5% of park and garden land for public infrastructure. It will be opened for public discussion before being reintroduced again in the next legislature session.
The Governor will be intimated about the decision. The bill had been passed in Monsoon Session without discussion amid Opposition’s protest demanding B. Nagendra’s resignation.
The Bill had seen widespread protests by environmental groups, civil society organisations as well as the Opposition BJP leaders. Thousands of citizens had gathered in protest at Lalbagh on August 30 against the amendment Bill which, they argued, aims to facilitate the tunnel road project to take over an acre of Lalbagh land.
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