Bengaluru: Former Karnataka forest, environment and ecology secretary A.N. Yellappa Reddy has urged the state government to reconsider and withdraw its proposed amendment to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, which would permit the use of up to 5% of park land for specified purposes.
In a detailed communication to Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, Reddy questioned the basis for fixing the 5% ceiling and sought clarity on whether the provision was supported by scientific studies or recommendations from independent experts.
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a bill proposing the amendment, with the government maintaining that the provision would facilitate essential public infrastructure while restricting the extent of park land that can be used.
Former IFS Officer Questions 5% Provision
Reddy has argued that allowing a portion of protected park land to be used for other purposes could establish a precedent for further diversion in the future.
“What is being presented as a limited 5% provision may appear harmless on paper, but its consequences can be much larger.”
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He questioned whether the proposed limit had been determined after consultation with:
- Horticulture experts
- Ecologists
- Urban planners
- Independent expert organisations
- Other specialists in park and environmental management
He also called for the government to examine the complete record supporting the proposal before proceeding further.
Lalbagh Tunnel Road Proposal Under Scrutiny
A major concern surrounding the proposed amendment is the possible use of portions of Lalbagh for infrastructure.
Reddy sought examination of the records relating to the proposal, including:
- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Alternative alignments
- Horticulture Department views
- Tree and biodiversity studies
- Environmental assessments
- Reasons for rejecting alternatives that avoid impacts on Lalbagh
The proposed provision has drawn criticism from environmental groups and citizen organisations, particularly in the context of the Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road project, which involves proposed use of portions of Lalbagh.
Reddy Cites Veera Soudha Example
Reddy referred to an earlier proposal to construct Veera Soudha inside Lalbagh, which was subsequently reconsidered and located elsewhere.
He cited the episode as an example of how infrastructure requirements could be addressed without using important green spaces.
Reddy also stressed that Lalbagh’s ecological significance cannot be assessed only by measuring its land area.
“Lalbagh cannot be measured merely in acres and percentages.”
He pointed to the park’s mature trees, soil, water systems, biodiversity and horticultural heritage as factors that should be considered when evaluating any proposal affecting the park.
Warning Against Future Expansion of Diversion Limit
Reddy has also cautioned that a provision allowing 5% diversion could potentially lead to larger percentages being considered in the future.
Environmental groups and citizen activists have raised similar concerns, arguing that introducing a legal mechanism for diverting park land could make it easier for comparable proposals to be considered later.
The proposed amendment, however, is framed around a 5% ceiling and specified public purposes involving government departments, statutory authorities, state-owned companies and local authorities.
Reddy Urges Government to Examine Alternatives
Reddy has asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that the ecological consequences, available alternatives and long-term implications are examined before the proposal moves ahead.
He has also sought an opportunity to meet Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to present his concerns.
Environmental organisations and citizen groups have separately urged the government to examine alternatives that do not require the use of existing parks and have called for public consultation and environmental, social, health and wellbeing assessments for projects affecting green spaces.
A.N. Yellappa Reddy’s IFS Background
Reddy is a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and former secretary of Karnataka’s Forests, Environment and Ecology departments.
According to records of a Central Administrative Tribunal case concerning his induction into the IFS, Reddy was initially serving as an Assistant Conservator of Forests in the Karnataka Forest Service before being selected and appointed to the IFS with effect from October 1, 1966. His year of allotment was 1964.
Reddy has continued to participate in environmental and conservation-related initiatives after retirement. Karnataka government records have also listed him as a member of expert bodies on environmental and forestry matters.
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