A new political and environmental debate has erupted in Bengaluru on the proposed North-South Tunnel Road Project, with Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya launching a unique protest against the Karnataka government's reported plan to use a portion of the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden for the ambitious infrastructure project.
Lalbagh, one of Bengaluru's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city's rich horticultural heritage, has become the centre of increasing public concern after it was reported that around five acres of the botanical garden could be utilised for the proposed tunnel road connecting Hebbal and Central Silk Board.
Unique Protest at Lalbagh
Tejasvi Surya, who vehemently opposed the proposal, led a protest in Lalbagh and around Lalbagh by circulating pamphlets with the message “Lalbagh for Sale” (Lalbagh Maratakke/Lalbagh for Sale). He wanted to draw public attention to what he called a threat to one of Bengaluru’s most cherished green spaces.
The BJP MP interacted with visitors and residents during the protest and urged residents to oppose any development that could put the city’s ecological heritage at risk. Development projects should not come at the cost of Bengaluru’s historic gardens and environmental assets.
Concerns Over the Tunnel Road Project
The proposed North-South Tunnel Road is one of the Karnataka government's major infrastructure projects to ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru. The corridor is expected to connect Hebbal in north Bengaluru with Central Silk Board in the south and reduce travel time across the city.
Environmentalists and residents have also expressed concerns about the acquisition of Lalbagh land, as the proposal could compromise the biodiversity in the botanical garden, heritage value, and ecological balance.
Lalbagh is one of India’s most important botanical gardens and draws lakhs of visitors every year.
Political Opposition Intensifies
Tejasvi Surya accused the state government of eroding Bengaluru’s environmental legacy for development. He said alternative engineering solutions should be explored to complete the tunnel road project without affecting Lalbagh.
His protest has brought a political dimension to the debate, and opposition leaders want more clarity about how the project is mapped and land acquisition plans.
Citizens Seek Clarity
The issue has also drawn the attention of Bengaluru residents and environmentalists, with citizens and environmental organisations calling for extensive public consultations before any final decision is made.
Civic activists say that though Bengaluru is in need of better transport infrastructure to alleviate increasing traffic congestion, any projects must be designed in a way that protects the city’s historical and ecological landmarks.
Urban planning experts have argued that environmental impact assessments and alternative route evaluations should be made public to inform decision-making.
Balancing Development and Conservation
The tunnel road project is a significant part of Bengaluru’s mobility plans, but it also highlights the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
The fate of the planned alignment near Lalbagh will remain an important issue in Bengaluru's civic and political landscape. Authorities are expected to take public feedback and technical considerations into account before moving forward with the project.
The coming weeks could be critical to the extent to which the city’s transport expansion can proceed without losing one of Bengaluru’s most cherished green spaces.
