The Karnataka State Cabinet has officially greenlit the development of a sprawling 153-acre biodiversity park at Madappanahalli near Yelahanka, marking a historic expansion of the city’s green cover. Named the Vishwa Guru Basavanna Biodiversity Park, this ambitious project is designed to be the third-largest urban lung space in the city, trailing only the legendary Lalbagh and Cubbon Park.
The state government has sanctioned an initial Rs 50 crore for the project, with a strict directive to complete the development within the next three years to serve the rapidly growing population of North Bengaluru.
This new ecological landmark is situated strategically near the upcoming Dr. Shivaram Karanth Layout, where nearly two lakh residents are expected
to settle in the coming years.
For over a century, Bengaluru has not seen a park development of this scale, making this a pivotal moment in the city’s environmental history. Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar Khandre noted that the park will address the critical lack of green spaces in the northern corridor, providing an essential retreat for urban dwellers.
The land was recently reclaimed by the Forest Department from the Karnataka Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), which had previously used the area for eucalyptus plantations. As part of a larger ecological restoration plan, the government will remove these non-native trees, replacing them with indigenous species and flora endemic to the Western Ghats. This transition aims to improve local air quality and support a more robust ecosystem within the city limits.
Beyond its role as a “lung space,” the Vishwa Guru Basavanna Biodiversity Park will feature diverse thematic zones to engage the public. Plans include a dedicated medicinal plant grove, a bird sanctuary named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and a mini-zoo in honour of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. By blending recreation with conservation, the state government hopes to restore Bengaluru’s historic “Garden City” identity while creating a sustainable sanctuary for future generations.
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