Karnataka CM Shivakumar orders review of 5% park land use proposal in Bengaluru
Synopsis
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has put the controversial 5% park land use proposal under a full government review — including past BJP-era decisions and the Lalbagh Metro allotment. With 102 taluks already drought-declared and a Central team inbound, Shivakumar is simultaneously managing a green-space controversy and a statewide agrarian crisis.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar on 1 September ordered a detailed review of the proposal to allow use of 5% of public park land in Bengaluru .
The review will cover decisions by previous governments, including BJP -era allotments, and use of Lalbagh land for the Metro project.
Shivakumar said the matter will be taken up again in the Karnataka Assembly after file examination.
102 taluks have been declared drought-affected by Deputy CM G.
Parameshwara ; more are under assessment.
Shivakumar called the FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi politically motivated and pledged solidarity.
The CM said the BJP's 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra presents a 'good opportunity' for Congress to frame a counter-strategy.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday, 1 September said the proposal to permit use of five per cent of public park land in Bengaluru would be subjected to a detailed review, covering decisions made by previous state governments. Speaking to reporters near his residence, Shivakumar said he would personally examine why the proposal was introduced, which plots had been allotted, and to whom.
What the Review Will Cover
Shivakumar said he would call for the relevant files and open the matter for fresh discussion in the Karnataka Assembly. The review scope includes the use of land in Lalbagh for the Metro project and allotments at various other locations across the city. He specifically said decisions taken by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government regarding park land would be examined in full.
'I will examine why this proposal to give five per cent of park land was brought, what the previous governments had done and which land was given to whom. I will call for the files, and the matter can be discussed again in the Assembly,' he said.
CM's Assurance to the Public
Responding to public concern over the fate of green spaces in Bengaluru, Shivakumar sought to reassure residents. 'No one needs to worry. I know how to protect park land,' he said. He added that he was open to suggestions from both the Opposition and the public, and that decisions would be taken keeping the larger public interest in mind.
Drought Declaration in Karnataka
On the drought situation in the state, Shivakumar said 102 taluks had already been declared drought-affected by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, while the government was assessing conditions in additional taluks. He said reports were being continuously collected and that the final determination would follow prescribed norms.
The Chief Minister noted that technical accuracy in the drought declaration process was critical, as a Central government team was scheduled to visit Karnataka to conduct an on-ground assessment. He said districts including Dharwad and Gadag had not yet provided adequate information, and officials had been asked to submit detailed reports. Shivakumar added that he was personally visiting affected locations and planned to travel to Bagalkot as well.
FIR Against Rahul Gandhi and BJP Padayatra
Shivakumar also reacted to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling it politically motivated. 'What wrong has Rahul Gandhi done? It is his right to fight for the youth and the country. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. We all stand with him on the issues for which he is fighting,' he said.
Commenting on the BJP's ongoing 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra, Shivakumar said the march presented an opportunity for the Indian National Congress (Congress). 'What they are doing is a good opportunity for us. Our party is also ready to formulate a counter-strategy,' he said. The matter of park land use is expected to return to the Assembly floor once the file review is complete.
Point of View
Given that infrastructure encroachments on protected green spaces tend to be irreversible once approved. The real test is whether this review produces a binding, public outcome — or quietly lapses after the Assembly session.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 5% park land use proposal in Bengaluru?
The proposal would allow five per cent of public park land in Bengaluru to be used for other purposes. Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has ordered a detailed review of the proposal, including decisions made by previous state governments, and said the matter will be discussed again in the Assembly.
Why is Shivakumar reviewing decisions of the previous BJP government on park land?
Shivakumar said he wants to examine which plots were allotted, to whom, and why the proposal was originally introduced. He specifically cited the use of Lalbagh land for the Metro project and other Bengaluru allotments as areas requiring scrutiny.
How many taluks in Karnataka have been declared drought-affected?
As of 1 September, 102 taluks have been declared drought-affected by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara. The government is assessing additional taluks, with a Central government team expected to visit Karnataka for an independent evaluation.
What did CM Shivakumar say about the FIR against Rahul Gandhi?
Shivakumar termed the FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi politically motivated, saying Gandhi was exercising a constitutional right to fight for the youth and the country. He said the Congress stands with Gandhi on the issues he is raising.
What is the BJP's 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra and how did Shivakumar respond?
The 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra is an ongoing march by the BJP in Karnataka. Shivakumar said the march was a 'good opportunity' for Congress and that his party was ready to formulate a counter-strategy in response.
