Amid intense pushback, Karnataka Cabinet decides to withdraw controversial Parks amendment Bill

The Bill will be opened for public discussion before being reintroduced again in the next legislature session.

Updated - September 03, 2026 06:44 pm IST

Civil society organisations form a human chain at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, demanding withdrawal of the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, in Bengaluru on August 27, 2026. | Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J

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.

Following intense pressure, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had said on September 1, that the proposal could be reviewed and discussed again in the Karnataka Legislature Assembly.

Special legislature session from September 21

In another key decision, the Cabinet decided to hold a three-day special session of Karnataka Legislature from September 21 in the light of farmers’ distress due to severe drought. Detailed discussion on the plight of farmers and impact on public will take place in the session. Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats will also be discussed in detail.

Dept for foreign investments

Among other decisions, Karnataka is set to have a new Department of Global Investment and Overseas Affairs to handle foreign delegations that come with investment proposals. An identity card will be issued to Kannadiga NRIs. Initially, it will be headed by the Chief Minister. The Cabinet also firmed up dates of Invest Karnataka — from April 20 to April 23, 2027 — to attract investments from global investors .

Published - September 03, 2026 04:59 pm IST

Karnataka / Bangalore / Mangalore / Mysore / parks / public works & infrastructure / civic infrastructure

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