Shobha Karandlaje Urges Karnataka Governor to Withhold Assent to Parks Bill Over 5% Land-Use Provision

Bengaluru: Union Minister and BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje has urged Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold assent to the Karnataka Parks, Playfields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Bill, objecting in particular to a provision permitting the use of up to 5% of designated park land for specified purposes.

Karandlaje has raised concerns over the potential impact of the provision on public parks, playgrounds and open spaces across Karnataka. She has argued that allowing portions of land reserved for such purposes to be used for other activities could gradually reduce the availability of green and recreational spaces in urban areas.

The BJP leader's intervention comes amid a broader debate over how Karnataka should balance urban development requirements with environmental protection and the preservation of public open spaces.

The Bill seeks to provide a regulatory framework for the preservation and management of parks, playfields and open spaces. Supporters of the legislation have maintained that a clear legal framework is necessary to protect such areas while also allowing limited use for essential public purposes.

However, opponents have expressed concerns over the scope of the proposed land-use provision. They fear that even a limited percentage of land being made available for alternative purposes could create opportunities for commercial or construction activity in areas originally intended to remain open.

Karandlaje has therefore appealed to the Governor to examine the legislation carefully before giving his assent. She has called for greater clarity and stronger safeguards to ensure that parks and open spaces remain protected for public use.

The issue is particularly significant for Bengaluru, where rapid urbanisation and increasing population have placed considerable pressure on available open spaces. Residents' groups and environmental advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over the shrinking availability of green areas in the city.

The BJP leader's demand also adds another political dimension to the debate over the Karnataka government's urban planning and environmental policies. The ruling Congress government has maintained that its legislative measures are intended to address practical governance requirements while protecting public interests.

The Governor's decision on the Bill will now be closely watched. If further clarification is sought, the legislation could return to the state government for reconsideration or additional explanation.

The controversy over the 5% provision is expected to continue as political parties, environmental groups and urban residents debate how best to protect Karnataka's parks and open spaces while meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population.