Through Heritage Beku, I have become increasingly involved in efforts to protect Bengaluru’s heritage and green spaces. The recent passage of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, allowing up to 5% of parkland to be alienated for specified public infrastructure and utility purposes, has therefore caused me considerable concern.

Today’s protest with hundreds of Bengaluru residents ranged on the Labagh Rock showed how passionately citizens feel about the contentious and retrograde 5% bill. They want it rolled back.

For everyone who has fought to protect Bengaluru’s precious green spaces, the passing of this Bill is an incredibly painful moment. But let us be absolutely clear: this is not just about Lalbagh. It is about the future of every park and protected green space in Bengaluru and across Karnataka that could now face increasing pressure from infrastructure and development. Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, Jayamahal Park, Bugle Rock Park, Freedom Park, Cariappa Park, Coles Park, Sankey Tank an

27 Aug 2026 The Station House Officer / Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Bangalore City Police, Bangalore, Karnataka. And The Director / Deputy Director, Horticulture Department (Lalbagh), Bangalore, Karnataka. 26 Aug 2026 Subject: Urgent Request for Investigation, Repair, and Restoration of the Headstone of Gustav Krumbiegel (Hosur Rd Cemetery) Respected Sir/Madam, We, at Heritage Beku, are writing to bring to your urgent attention a matter of profound historical

In the last 14 years, from 2012 to 2024, India lost 1.62 million hectares of tree cover. That’s not a typo. In 2016 we lost 164,150 hectares. In 2017 we lost 179,261 hectares. Those were the worst years on record in the last decade. Since 2001, the total damage is 2.31 million hectares gone. That’s a 7.1% decline. It has put 1.29 gigatonnes of CO₂ into the air. And before you tell me “but we planted trees,” hear me out. Because the numbers the government quotes are hi