Bengaluru’s iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden has become the centre of a major battle over the city’s green spaces. Citizens, environmentalists and park users rallied to oppose a Karnataka government amendment that would have allowed up to 5% of protected park land to be used for public infrastructure and utility projects. Under the provision, around 12 acres of Lalbagh and 15 acres of Cubbon Park could potentially have been affected.Our ground report from Bengaluru captures the concerns of citizens who say the city’s remaining green spaces must be protected even as Bengaluru expands its infrastructure. Protesters have linked the controversy to the proposed tunnel road project and warned against sacrificing established parks in the name of development.The Karnataka government has since withdrawn the amendment, following widespread protests and political opposition. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government wants further discussion on the proposal and maintained that the objective was to facilitate infrastructure projects, including Metro expansion, rather than sell public parks. n18oc_indiaNews18 Mobile App – https://onelink.to/desc-youtube