{
  "id": 371164,
  "title": "Citizens form human chain to save Lalbagh from proposed tunnel road project",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/citizens-form-human-chain-to-save-lalbagh-from-proposed-tunnel-road",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T11:21:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/citizens-form-human-chain-to-save-lalbagh-from-proposed-tunnel-road-project/article71324366.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Sunday, August 9, 2026, citizens from Bengaluru formed a human chain in Lalbagh to protest the State government's proposed Tunnel Road project, according to the Lalbagh Walkers Association. The association alleged that the project would adversely affect the botanical garden. Umesh Kumar, President of the associations, expressed determination to continue protesting until the High Court of Karnataka becomes aware of the issue. The project, estimated at around ₹17,770 crore, aims to connect North and South Bengaluru via Esteem Mall in Hebbala, passing through the Silk Board junction and Lalbagh.\n\nSuma Reddy, a participant, highlighted the threat posed by the project to Lalbagh Rock, an ancient Peninsular Gneiss estimated to be around 3,300 years old. She emphasized the need to preserve the park and its surroundings for future generations. Prasanna Kumar noted that similar concerns had been raised when the Lalbagh Metro Station project was being considered, as it threatened to cut through the park and slash hundreds of trees. The participants also met the Director of the Horticulture Department, urging him to write to the center to consider Lalbagh Rock for UNESCO recognition, similar to other sites in Hampi. Earlier, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar had claimed that no trees would be felled and that only half an acre of land within Lalbagh would be utilized for the project.",
  "summary": "“We will continue to protest and create awareness among the public until the message reaches the High Court of Karnataka about saving Lalbagh from being destroyed due to the proposed tunnel road project,” says President of Lalbagh Walkers Association",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}