Bengaluru Citizens Oppose Parking Fees, Park Diversion and Tunnel Roads, Demand Public-Centred Planning

“Bengaluru does not have enough green cover. No further parkland should be diverted until the city achieves at least 30 per cent green cover, as recommended under international environmental standards,” he said. “At a time of worsening air and water scarcity, surrendering even more park space is unacceptable.”

He noted that Bengaluru’s hard-rock terrain raised serious safety and cost concerns for tunnelling, and urged the government to expand Metro services, introduce more electric feeder buses and strengthen mass transport instead. He also alleged that commercial interests were influencing projects affecting heritage areas and the Bangalore University Bio-Park.

“People Depend on Personal Vehicles Because Public Transport Is Inadequate”

Rajesh Bhatt, speaking on behalf of the committee, said it was gathering public views for a formal submission to the government. He strongly opposed the proposed annual permit fee of ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for parking private vehicles outside homes.

“People depend on personal vehicles because affordable and reliable Metro, bus and suburban rail connectivity remains inadequate,” Bhatt said. He demanded action against malls and commercial buildings that misuse mandatory basement parking spaces, and suggested that parking charges, if introduced at all, should initially target households owning multiple vehicles.

Bhatt revealed that public opposition had forced the government to temporarily withdraw its plan to allow five per cent of parkland to be used for public projects—but cautioned that ministers had indicated it could be reintroduced.

“Development cannot mean construction and commercialisation alone. It must protect and expand Bengaluru’s green spaces,” he asserted.

“Public Interest Must Come Before Political Loyalty”

Dr Rajshekhar, a medical practitioner, called for projects involving Lalbagh, Cubbon Park and other public assets to be reviewed by independent experts. He warned that Bengaluru’s rising temperature and air pollution were threatening public health.

“Public interest must come before political loyalty. Citizens must unite across party lines when policies damage their health, environment and daily lives,” he said.

Lalbagh Tunnel Could Destroy Six Acres, Threaten Rare Species: Dr Sanaullah

Dr Sanaullah P.F. warned that the proposed Lalbagh tunnel could affect nearly six acres and threaten rare trees and plants, including Western Ghats species. He pointed out that a projected toll of ₹300 each way would exclude most residents and offer no benefit to two-wheeler users.

He also opposed the Hebbal tunnel, cautioning that its estimated ₹1,360-crore cost for just 2.7 km could rise substantially during construction, and that tunnelling near Hebbal Lake could affect groundwater. As an alternative, he proposed extending the Metro from MG Road to Hebbal and building necessary flyovers instead.

Sanaullah appealed to Rahul Gandhi to visit Bengaluru, assess the projects and advise the state government to consult technocrats before proceeding.

Health Crisis Looming: Pollution, Shrinking Green Spaces Linked to Disease

The meeting, presided over by Dr G. Shashikumar, also saw participation from civic activist Katyayini Chamaraj and Dr Sudha Kamath of the Medical Service Centre. Speakers warned that pollution, shrinking green spaces and water stress were contributing to respiratory and kidney diseases, and called for urban planning that benefits all residents—not just a small group of toll-paying motorists.

Citizens Demand a Bengaluru That Breathes, Not Just Builds

The roundtable concluded with a united call: development must not come at the cost of public health, environmental integrity and democratic participation. Bengaluru’s future, speakers insisted, must be planned with its people—not imposed upon them.