‘Blind development’: Why Karnataka govt scrapped plan to build multi-storey building in Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park

The Karnataka government has reversed its stance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and succumbed to demands to scrap plans for a ten-storey building in Bengaluru’s Cubbon Bagh, citing public pressure or fear of voter backlash.

One of the city’s few remaining green spaces is under threat from a series of buildings inside that house the offices of the electoral commission and other government departments. Protests by environmentalists and the public, including the Cubbon Park Walkers Association, which has vehemently opposed the project and filed a series of PILs in the Karnataka High Court, appear to have had an impact.

Government sources said the Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with finding another suitable site for these departments, close to the Assembly building but without felling trees.

Retired IFS officer and former environment minister AN Yellappa Reddy told News18 that such decisions – proposals to build multi-storey buildings in green spaces like Cubbon Park or a six-lane elevated highway in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) – are “”unconscious” development” puts the interests of politicians above the livability of citizens.

“These issues should be part of the election manifesto because it concerns you, me and our children. It should be at the top of the list. Why are you being unkind to our greenery? What took two billion years to form and you are Want to destroy it in 20 days?” he asked, emphasizing the importance of protecting greenery and its impact on air quality, biodiversity and human health.

Reddy said terrestrial ozone is the biggest killer of humans and the environment. It kills the fertile parts of the plant, preventing the seeds from germinating. The expert, who grows several plant species around Bengaluru, said the aromatic oils released by trees like frangipani or frangipani can keep viruses away.

“We all should understand that Cubbon Park is the only oxygen reservoir available to 5 to 10 lakh people who commute in this area of ​​Bengaluru every day and you want to suffocate it? This is completely ridiculous. I want to take a step forward and say And saying that those who take such decisions should be booked for manslaughter because they are trying to kill someone by depriving their lungs of oxygen,” the expert told News18.

Reddy further said that when dust and pollutants are deposited on leaves, it hinders photosynthesis and does not release oxygen or absorb carbon dioxide, filling the surroundings with toxic gases.

“I have created a beautiful butterfly garden, a secret garden in Lalbagh (another beautiful green space in Bangalore) and if this erratic development and pollution continues, all this will die in a few days,” he added.

In 2019, the Registrar of the High Court filed a petition seeking approval to build a borough in Cubbon Park, near the court site. The move has also been strongly opposed by environmentalists and pedestrian associations, citing potential ecological damage.

The HC then sought comprehensive advice from the Department of Disabled Persons to identify a suitable location for the annexe. While the original plan outlined a seven-story building behind the courthouse that would have required the removal of 17 trees, road diversions and other improvements, the court rejected the proposal. The public authority subsequently allowed the building to be constructed under revised plans, eliminating tree felling and road diversions.

Cubbon Park Walkers Association president Dr Umesh Kumar told reporters that Cubbon Park covers an area of ​​300 acres and over time the area of ​​the park has been reduced to 180 acres with the emergence of several commercial buildings and clubs in the area. news18.

“We are waiting for an order to see what the government’s decision is when they say they have reversed it. Anywhere else within Cubbon Park is unacceptable to us. Why focus on our only green space? Why can’t they Building outside Cubbon Park? he asked.

Another decision to lift the ban on vehicular movement in Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month has also faced protests from environmentalists and walkers.

Chief Secretary Rajneesh Goel approved the proposal to revoke the ban on the basis of a three-month experiment after the traffic police said allowing vehicles to pass through the park would help ease congestion in the central business district, especially on weekends. However, there has been strong opposition from residents and environmentalists, saying it would cause further damage to the ecosystem of the city’s longest remaining green space.