Karnataka CM Orders Review Of 5% Park Land Use Proposal

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said the proposal to permit the use of five per cent of public park land would be examined in detail, including decisions taken by previous governments. Speaking to reporters near his residence in Bengaluru, he said files would be called for to determine why the proposal was introduced and which plots had been allotted.

Shivakumar said the government would review land-use decisions involving Bengaluru’s parks, including the use of land in Lalbagh for the Metro project and allotments made at other locations. He assured residents that there was no need for apprehension over the issue and maintained that steps would be taken to protect public park land. The matter could also be discussed again in the Legislative Assembly after the relevant records are examined.

The Chief Minister said he was open to suggestions from the Opposition as well as the public and stressed that decisions would be taken in the larger public interest. He added that information on actions taken by the previous BJP government regarding park land, including Lalbagh, would be reviewed before any further decision is made.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee's Niece, 28, Found Dead At Birbhum Residence; Police Say Probe Underway

On the drought situation, Shivakumar said 102 taluks had already been declared drought-affected, while assessments were continuing in several other areas. He said reports were being collected from individual taluks and that the final decision would be based on the prescribed norms. The government, he added, was seeking to avoid technical lapses as a Central government team is expected to visit Karnataka to assess the situation.

Shivakumar said officials had been asked to provide more information on drought conditions in districts including Dharwad and Gadag. He said he was personally visiting affected areas and would also travel to Bagalkot for an assessment. The Revenue, Agriculture and other concerned departments would jointly examine the situation, with drought declarations made strictly according to Central government guidelines.

Reacting to an FIR registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar termed the action politically motivated and defended Gandhi's right to raise issues concerning the youth and the country. On the BJP’s ongoing “Ballari Chalo” padayatra, he said the Congress would formulate a counter-strategy, describing the Opposition’s march as an opportunity for his party to present its own position.

Also Read: UGC NET 2026 Re-Exam: Reporting Time, Documents And Exam-Day Rules