Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Credit: PTI
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said he would visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden next week to study the alignment of the proposed 16-km twin tunnel road between Central Silk Board and Hebbal.
He made the announcement following concerns from citizen groups that the project could cause extensive damage to the historic garden.
Earlier this week, Citizens for Citizens, a civic group, had pointed out that the project requires about six acres of land within the botanical garden, one of Bengaluru’s largest lung spaces comprising a lake and ancient rock formations.
"Trees will be cut and Lalbagh’s soil, water, air, lake and rock will all bear the brunt,” DH had reported on October 7, citing the group’s concerns.
Responding to these statements, Shivakumar said the tunnel road had been conceptualised for the development of Bengaluru.
"There is no question of causing any harm to Lalbagh, which is a historic park. I am aware of its significance. I will visit the garden on Monday along with officials,” he said.