Karnataka Government to Review 5% Parkland Rule After Lalbagh Protests

The Karnataka government announced that it will revisit the controversial 5% parkland provision in the recently introduced Karnataka Parks Bill. The clause obliges developers to set aside at least five percent of any new project’s land as public green space.

Environmental activists and local residents staged a sit‑in at Bangalore's historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, arguing that the rule could threaten existing heritage parks and limit urban green cover. The protest drew attention from civic groups and the media, prompting officials to reassess the policy.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister's office said the government will consult stakeholders and consider amendments before the bill is presented to the legislature. No specific timeline for the revision was provided, but officials indicated that the issue will be addressed in the coming weeks.

The move comes amid broader debates across Indian states about balancing rapid urban development with the preservation of public green spaces.