Will K'taka Government's New Biodiversity Park in Bengaluru Become a Reality?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru's new Biodiversity Park will span 153.39 acres.
- Investment of Rs 250 crore approved by the Karnataka government.
- Named after Vishwaguru Basavanna, honoring cultural heritage.
- The park will include a bird sanctuary and medicinal plants.
- Project aims to enhance urban green spaces in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 (NationPress) The Minister for Forests, Eshwar Khandre, has revealed that the Cabinet has sanctioned the creation of a 153.39-acre Biodiversity Park dedicated to Vishwaguru Basavanna, with an investment of Rs 250 crore.
This announcement was made during a media briefing following a Cabinet meeting late on Friday.
“Bengaluru is famously referred to as the Garden City. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden was founded in 1760, covering roughly 240 acres, and Cubbon Park was established in 1870 over 197 acres. Since the establishment of these parks, there has been no new large garden in Bengaluru,” he noted.
Khandre emphasized the need for green spaces as Bengaluru is rapidly transforming into a concrete jungle. “It’s essential that Bengaluru does not become another gas chamber. For the last one-and-a-half centuries, nature enthusiasts have dreamt of a large park within the city,” he remarked.
He mentioned that the Karnataka Development Corporation has allocated 153 acres of land in Madappanahalli, near Yelahanka in Bengaluru North, for this initiative.
“Currently, eucalyptus and acacia trees populate this area. After surveying the site, I was inspired to create a Biodiversity Park. I worked on this idea for nearly a year. The land was reclaimed, and a comprehensive project report for developing the park over 153.39 acres was prepared and presented to the Cabinet,” he stated.
The total investment for the project is Rs 250 crore, with the Cabinet approving Rs 50 crore for the initial phase. “This expansive Biodiversity Park will feature medicinal plants, a bird sanctuary, an interpretation center, and a tree park. For children and students, various tree species will be planted, accompanied by information boards illustrating their names and benefits,” he elaborated.
Khandre added that the park will be divided into five zones, with plans to utilize CSR funds from numerous companies, which have already shown interest. “The nearby Shivaram Karanth Layout is projected to have a population of 2 to 2.5 lakh. The park will be developed in the Bengaluru Urban district. After assuming my ministerial role, this has been my dream project, and I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and my Cabinet colleagues for endorsing the proposal,” he concluded.
The project is scheduled for completion within three years, with the first phase involving works worth Rs 50 crore to be executed simultaneously with subsequent stages,” he added.