There is a growing campaign to protect Bengaluru’s iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden and actress Pranitha Subhash is calling on people to take part in a public gathering on Sunday.
Pranitha posted a video on social media celebrating this “Save Lalbagh” campaign, and made calls for Bengaluru residents to come to the meeting at 7 a.m. at Lalbagh’s West Gate.
Her appeal comes at a time when the city’s infrastructure is being heavily debated and the city’s green spaces could be threatened.
The campaign is linked to opposition to the proposed Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road project and a recent amendment to Karnataka’s parks law.
The amendment allows a part of government park and garden land to be used for some public infrastructure and utility projects.
Lalbagh is not just another public park for environmentalists and citizens. It is an old trees, huge collections of plants, biodiversity and history-laden botanical garden located in and around Bengaluru.
One of campaigners’ biggest concerns is the damage tunnel-related construction will do to Lalbagh and its surroundings. Large infrastructure projects could put pressure on trees, vegetation and other environmentally sensitive areas, they say.
Lalbagh is also an important place in Bengaluru's geological history. The garden houses Lalbagh Rock, a formation thought to be more than three billion years old.
The ancient rock is considered an important geological feature and has been a focus for the campaign to save the garden.
Save Lalbagh! Join us this Sunday at 7 am at Lalbagh west gate.@Tejasvi_Surya pic.twitter.com/AXjaR8bSP6
— Pranitha Subhash (@pranitasubhash) August 28, 2026
The debate has intensified after public protests against the possibility of using parts of parks and gardens for infrastructure projects. Citizens, resident groups and environmental organisations have argued that Bengaluru’s remaining green spaces need stronger protection as the city continues to expand.
The “Save Lalbagh” campaign therefore goes beyond a single infrastructure project. The issue, the proponents say, is about preserving one of Bengaluru’s most precious public green spaces for future generations.
Pranitha Subhash’s involvement has brought more public attention to the campaign. Through her social media appeal the actress has encouraged people to step forward and participate rather than remain silent about the issue.
The Walk for Lalbagh is planned for Sunday morning, and participants should meet at the West Gate at 7 a.m. to participate in the walk. Residents, walkers, environmental activists and others who care about the future of Bengaluru’s green spaces will be in the programme.
As traffic and construction and infrastructure increases in Bengaluru city, the Lalbagh debate has brought a larger question of what can be done to keep Bengaluru’s natural and historical places intact as well.
For those who support the campaign, the message is straightforward: infrastructure is important but so are the parks, trees and heritage sites that have formed Bengaluru’s identity.
Lalbagh, they argue, should remain a protected green space at the heart of the city.
