Following PM Modi’s Precedent,D K Shivakumar Eyes Defence Land for 3 New Lalbagh-Style Parks in Bengaluru
Byline: By Bangalore Mail Political Bureau
Location: Bengaluru
Taking a page from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s playbook, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka government is seeking central permission to build three new Lalbagh-style botanical gardens in Bengaluru using Defence and forest land.
The ambitious plan aims to replicate the footprint and biodiversity of the landmark 240-acre Lalbagh Botanical Garden to restore the Garden City’s depleting green cover.
Shivakumar Cites PM Modi’s Varanasi Model for Defence Land
Speaking after inaugurating the 220th edition of the Lalbagh Flower Show on Thursday, Shivakumar highlighted that the Centre had previously approved the use of Defence Ministry land for a public park in PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi.
The state government plans to leverage this precedent to secure land approval for one of the three proposed mega-parks.
“We intend to build one such park on defence land in Bengaluru. The ownership will remain with the Defence Ministry, but we are seeking permission to construct and maintain the public park. I have written to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and will meet him in person soon,” Shivakumar said.
Two Urban Forest Parks & Multi-Agency Plan
Apart from the Defence land proposal, Shivakumar confirmed that two additional parks will be established on urban forest lands within city limits following consultations with forest department officials.
To drive execution and ongoing maintenance, the state will assign responsibilities to major urban agencies:
Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)
Bangalore Development Authority (BDA)
Horticulture Department
Shivakumar reiterated that expanding public green spaces remains a vital commitment of the current cabinet to enhance the quality of life for Bengaluru residents.
Flower Show Honours Ganga Dynasty; New 100-Day Green Scheme Announced
The project details were shared alongside the opening of the Independence Day Flower Show at Lalbagh, themed “Glory of the Ganga Dynasty,” which celebrates the agrarian roots, history, and art forms of the ancient ruling dynasty.
Shivakumar also revealed that the Karnataka government will launch a 100-day eco-initiative on August 15. The collaborative programme will pair state resources with local farmers to expand greenery state-wide while creating stable rural livelihood opportunities.
Quick Summary
Modi Precedent Used: Shivakumar cites PM Modi’s Varanasi project to request Defence land for public green space.
3 Lalbagh-Scale Parks: 1 proposed on Defence land, 2 targeted on urban forest land.
August 15 Launch: State to announce a major 100-day farmer-led green cover initiative on Independence Day.
