Bengaluru, September 2: The recent amendment to the Bengaluru Parks (Preservation) Act has sparked significant political debate in Karnataka. Following strong public opposition, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the government would reconsider the amendment and is open to suggestions.
In response, Tejasvi Surya, the BJP MP from Bengaluru South, wrote an open letter to the Chief Minister. He urged the government to seize this opportunity for the long-term benefit of Bengaluru.
Surya stated, “In light of the public’s strong opposition, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed willingness to revisit the Parks (Preservation) Amendment Act, which allows for 5% of park land to be repurposed for other uses. While he has previously overlooked suggestions from myself, other representatives, experts, and civic groups, I am writing this letter with renewed hope to provide some recommendations for Bengaluru.”
In his letter, Surya outlined four major suggestions addressing the city’s challenges. First, he emphasized that the primary goal of Bengaluru’s mobility policy should be to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Traffic congestion is a significant issue, and enhancing public transport is essential.
Second, he called for restoring the authority and autonomy of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) to ensure all transport-related decisions are made under a single agency.
Third, he urged the halt of the short tunnel project in Hebbal to protect Hebbal Lake, which environmental activists have long opposed.
Lastly, Surya’s most critical demand is the complete withdrawal of the amendment allowing the use of 5% of park land and the cancellation of the tunnel road project.
He concluded, “I hope the Chief Minister will use this opportunity to take steps in the right direction and prioritize Bengaluru’s long-term interests over political reputation.”
Leave a Comment