Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday announced that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will release ₹5 crore for the development and maintenance of Cubbon Park in central Bengaluru.
Mr. Shivakumar said that while the park appears well-maintained, there is scope for further development. His remarks were made during the ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ programme, a public information programme.
Acknowledging that the city needs more greenery, he gave an update on plans to develop more parks, similar to Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. “There are seven large forest plots in Bengaluru with the potential to be converted into lung spaces. I will meet the forest department and start the process of converting these areas into tree parks,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s announcement followed a request by citizen Keshavamurthy to grow more parks with trees across the city under the programme.
The meeting at Cubbon Park marked the last leg of Mr. Shivakumar’s walk aimed at promoting development projects and getting feedback from the public.
Despite expectations of a large turnout, the Cubbon Park walk saw a relatively low response compared to other locations. Only 35 applications were filed from citizens, the least after Koramangala which recorded 42 applications.
However, he confirmed that the ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ will continue across the city, given the overwhelming support it has received.
After he arrived, he visited the dog park and bandstand and later paid floral tributes to Chamaraja Wadiyar before the session began to listen to public grievances.
S. Umesh of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, who had earlier announced a boycott of the programme, presented a list of issues and asked for action. “Remove all leased buildings in the park and restrict vehicle movement or charge vehicles to generate revenue for park maintenance,” he suggested.
Arun Pai of BangaloreWALKS, which offers guided walks, urged Mr. Shivakumar to allow family picnics inside the park.
Padma Shri awardee KS Rajanna, who works for the welfare of the disabled, has suggested naming the Pottery Town metro station after late Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, cites the film ‘Bhaktha Kumbara’ by Dr. Rajkumar, Puneeth’s father, and explains why the tribute would be appropriate.
Activist Priya Chetty-Rajagopal has called for Cubbon Park to be declared a biodiversity park, for increased funding for maintenance and for the park to be protected for conservation.
A resident of Koramangala urged Mr. Shivakumar to monitor accommodation for paying guests who violate building rules by constructing additional floors beyond the permissible limits.
After hearing all the concerns, Mr. Shivakumar assured the citizens of a holistic approach to the development of the park.
Published – 26 Oct 2025 19:58 IST
