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Bengaluru's New 153-Acre Biodiversity Park to Honor Basavanna, Costing Rs 250 Crore

The Karnataka government has approved a 153.39-acre Biodiversity Park in Bengaluru's Yelahanka area, named after Vishwaguru Basavanna, with a total cost of Rs 250 crore. The park, set to be the city's third-largest after Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, will feature medicinal plants, a bird sanctuary, an interpretation center, and educational zones for children. Funded partially through CSR initiatives, the project aims to provide essential lung space to counter urban congestion and will be developed in phases over three years. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre emphasized the park as a critical step to prevent Bengaluru from becoming a "concrete jungle" and fulfilling a long-standing dream for nature lovers.

Key Points: Bengaluru's 3rd Largest Biodiversity Park Named After Basavanna

  • 153-acre park in Yelahanka
  • Rs 250 crore project with CSR funding
  • Medicinal plants and bird sanctuary
  • Five zones over three years
  • Third-largest after Lalbagh and Cubbon
2 min read

K'taka govt to establish third-largest Biodiversity Park in Bengaluru; to be named after Basavanna

Karnataka govt approves a 153-acre Biodiversity Park in Bengaluru at Rs 250 crore, featuring medicinal plants, a bird sanctuary, and five zones.

"Bengaluru should not become another gas chamber. - Minister Eshwar Khandre"

Bengaluru, Jan 3

Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre announced that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a 153.39-acre Biodiversity Park named after Vishwaguru Basavanna at a cost of Rs 250 crore.

He made the announcement while addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting late on Friday.

"Bengaluru is known as the Garden City. Lalbagh Botanical Garden was established in 1760 across about 240 acres, and Cubbon Park was developed in 1870 on 197 acres in the city. After Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, no large gardens have been established in Bengaluru," he said.

He said people need lung space as Bengaluru is increasingly turning into a concrete jungle. "Bengaluru should not become another gas chamber. Establishing a large park in the city has been an unfulfilled dream of nature lovers for the past one-and-a-half centuries," he said.

Minister Khandre said that 153 acres of land in Madappanahalli near Yelahanka, in the Bengaluru North area, under the Karnataka Development Corporation, has now been allotted for the project.

"At present, eucalyptus and acacia trees are grown there. After visiting the site, the thought of establishing a Biodiversity Park crossed my mind. I made efforts for nearly a year. The land was taken back, and a detailed project report for developing a Biodiversity Park over 153.39 acres was prepared and presented before the Cabinet," he said.

The total cost of the project is Rs 250 crore, of which the Cabinet has approved Rs 50 crore for the first phase. "In this large Biodiversity Park, medicinal plants will be grown. A bird sanctuary, interpretation centre and tree park will also be established. For the benefit of children and students, various species of trees will be planted, and information boards displaying their names and benefits will be installed," he said.

He said the park has been divided into five zones and it has been decided to utilise CSR funds from various companies, with several firms already coming forward. "Shivaram Karanth Layout is located nearby, and the population in this area may soon reach 2 to 2.5 lakh. The park will come up in Bengaluru Urban district. After becoming a minister, this has been my dream project, and I thank the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and my Cabinet colleagues for approving the proposal," he stated.

The project is planned to be completed over three years. "In the first phase, works worth Rs 50 crore will be completed. The remaining stages will also be taken up simultaneously," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Naming it after Basavanna is a great tribute to our state's philosopher. But 250 crores is a huge amount. While the park is needed, I hope there is strict transparency in spending. We've seen many such projects get delayed and costs balloon. The government must ensure timely completion within budget.
A
Arjun K
Finally! Yelahanka side is developing so fast, it's just buildings everywhere. A 150+ acre park will be a blessing for families there. The interpretation centre for students is a smart move. My kids can learn about native species. Hope they include good cycling and walking tracks.
S
Sarah B
As a resident near Shivaram Karanth Layout, this is the best thing I've heard in a long time. The area is becoming a concrete jungle. A bird sanctuary will bring back so much life. Kudos to the minister for pushing this. Hope the CSR funding works out and they stick to the 3-year timeline.
V
Vikram M
Good initiative, but will it remain a true biodiversity park or will food courts and event spaces take over later? Lalbagh and Cubbon are treasures because they were protected. This new park needs a strong legal framework to prevent any future "commercial development" excuses. The concept is excellent though.
K
Karthik V
Replacing eucalyptus and acacia (which are water-guzzlers) with native medicinal plants and a diverse tree park is ecologically brilliant. This is the kind of long-term thinking Bengaluru needs. Hope they involve local environmental groups in the planning. The "Garden City" title can be reclaimed! 🌳

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