Yellappa Reddy urges Karnataka Chief Secretary to drop proposed 5% park land provision

Former Karnataka Forests Secretary A.N. Yellappa Reddy has written to Chief Secretary cautioning against the proposed 5% allocation of protected parkland for infrastructure. In a letter dated August 23, Reddy questioned whether the amendment, which would allow such land use, had been thoroughly reviewed and backed by scientific studies or expert opinions.

He highlighted Lalbagh's unique ecological features, which cannot be determined solely by acreage or percentages, pointing to its age-old trees, soil, water systems, and rich biodiversity. Reddy recalled how a previous proposal to build Veera Soudha inside Lalbagh was reconsidered and relocated, arguing that development should not jeopardize existing public parks.

He requested the Chief Secretary to scrutinize all relevant documents, including the Detailed Project Report, alternative site plans, tree and biodiversity assessments, and environmental impact studies. Reddy warned that granting a 5% land diversion could open the door to more land being allocated for similar projects in the future, urging the government to rescind the proposal and threatening legal action if the amendment proceeds.