Mysore Grahakara Parishat sounds alarm over proposed dilution of parks Act - The HinduUpdated - August 30, 2026 07:03 pm IST - MYSURUMysore Grahakara Parishat protesting against the State government’s reported move to amend the Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, at Cheluvamba Park in Mysuru on Sunday (August 30). | Photo Credit: M.A. SriramThe State government’s reported move to amend the Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, has received strong criticism, with a protest staged at Cheluvamba Park in Mysuru on Sunday (August 30) demanding immediate withdrawal of the proposed amendment and protection of parks.The protest, organised by the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), attracted green activists, citizens and others who voiced concerns over the proposal to allow portions of park and garden land to be used for public infrastructure and utility projects. They said that the provision could gradually lead to the diversion and encroachment of park land.MGP founding-working president Bhamy V. Shenoy expressed concern over the government’s move, saying the proposed amendment, passed by the State Assembly, seeks to permit portions of park and garden land to be used for public infrastructure and utility projects. “We have expressed concern over the provision that could allow up to 5% of park land to be sold, leased, gifted, exchanged or mortgaged. Hotels, bars and other commercial establishments could come up on such land, which is a matter of serious concern,” he said.MGP has already written to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging him not to give his assent to the proposed amendment. The organisation argued that the move could result in the destruction of parks and urged the Governor not to sign the Bill in order to protect the State’s parks and the environment.Pratap Simha, former MP, who participated in the protest, also criticised the government’s move, arguing that it could pave the way for encroachment of parks.“The provision allowing up to 5% of park land to be sold, leased, gifted, exchanged or mortgaged is shocking. We thought the government wanted to use a portion of park land for a tunnel project in Bengaluru. With this amendment, it could use a large portion of Lalbagh for the project. Parks across the State could meet the same fate if the move is implemented. The government is not acting as a custodian of parks, but as their ruiner,” he alleged.Mr. Simha also alleged that the Congress government had used park land for unauthorised construction of Indira Canteens in the past and said the latest move was serious and posed a threat to the survival of parks.According to Mr. Shenoy, the existing Act permits 5% of park land to be used only for park maintenance. Expanding the scope of the provision could open the way for the gradual diversion of park land for purposes other than its intended use.The MGP has warned that the move could have a long-term impact on the environment at a time when cities are increasingly facing the effects of climate change and the loss of green spaces.Published - August 30, 2026 07:01 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }