Lalbagh tunnel road project: Citizens form human chain to protect heritage garden

Hundreds of citizens, including activists, children, and families, formed a human chain at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to oppose the State government's proposed tunnel road project. The protest, organised by the Lalbagh Walkers Association, was aimed at drawing public and judicial attention to the potential impact of the project on the heritage garden.

The human chain stretched along the garden's main pathways, with participants holding placards that read "Save Lalbagh" and "No Tunnel Through Our Heritage." The event was peaceful and drew participants from across the city.

Speaking at the protest, Umesh Kumar, President of the Lalbagh Walkers Association and Cubbon Park Walkers Association, said, "We will continue to protest and create awareness among the public until the message reaches the High Court of Karnataka about saving Lalbagh from being destroyed due to the proposed tunnel road project." He added that the High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 20, and that multiple parties have filed petitions against the project.

Lalbagh is a 240-acre botanical garden in the heart of Bengaluru, known for its 1,000-plus species of plants, a glasshouse modelled on London's Crystal Palace, and a 3,300-year-old rock formation called Lalbagh Rock, a Peninsular Gneiss. The garden is a popular recreational space and a major tourist destination.

The proposed tunnel road project aims to connect north and south Bengaluru, with a stretch passing beneath Lalbagh. The route starts at Esteem Mall in Hebbala and runs to the Silk Board junction. The project is estimated to cost around ₹17,770 crore and is part of the government's infrastructure development plans.

Protesters expressed concerns about the potential damage to the garden's ecology and heritage. Suma Reddy, a participant, said, "The project poses a threat to the city’s beautiful park and Lalbagh Rock. We have no objections to developing the city, but not at the cost of destroying an ancient rock and the nature surrounding the park. Our children will inherit these beautiful places from us. If everything is destroyed at the cost of the tunnel road project, what is left for them to watch in the future except roads, skywalks, and tunnel roads?"

Ms. Reddy added, "We want the government to scrap the project. We will continue to create awareness until our concerns reach the High Court and the wider public."

Another participant, Prasanna Kumar, recalled that a previous proposal to build a metro station through Lalbagh was withdrawn after sustained public opposition. "We opposed it and stopped the project from happening. We will continue to oppose this project too," he said.

The protesters also warned that the tunnel works could lead to the felling of thousands of trees, cause soil destabilisation, and destroy the habitat of hundreds of species. They met the Director of the Horticulture Department and requested that Lalbagh Rock be recommended to the Centre for UNESCO recognition, similar to the sites in Hampi.

Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has assured that no trees would be felled and that no more than half an acre of land within Lalbagh would be used for the project. The government maintains that the tunnel will significantly reduce travel time and traffic congestion in the city.

The organisers said they will continue protests and awareness campaigns until a final decision is made by the court or the government. The next hearing in the High Court is scheduled for August 20.