The Horticulture Department has confirmed that there will be no Art Complex or any related construction inside Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park, putting an end to concerns among regular visitors about new concrete structures in one of Bengaluru’s largest green spaces, The Hindu reported. The clarification comes after speculation that a private museum on MG Road had sought space within Cubbon Park to establish an art park as an extension of its facility.
Officials from the Horticulture Department have now confirmed that no official proposal for the project was ever submitted. “The private museum was mooting the idea and had spoken about it in a meeting. We received no official proposal from them. But now, after their internal discussions, they have decided not to go ahead with it and sent us a letter recently, stating that they have closed the matter,” The Hindu quoted Shamla Iqbal, secretary to government, Horticulture Department, as saying.
Activists and residents had strongly opposed the proposed construction of an art complex by a private entity within Cubbon Park, arguing that it would have threatened the park’s ecological integrity and public accessibility. The project, initially planned to cover over four acres, drew widespread criticism from politicians, environmental groups, and citizens, who viewed it as a step toward the commercialisation of one of Bengaluru’s last remaining green spaces.
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan took up the issue and submitted a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on February 28, calling for an immediate halt to the project. Citing the Karnataka Government Parks Act, 1975, which prohibits construction and privatization in designated park areas, he raised concerns over Cubbon Park’s gradual shrinkage. “Cubbon Park, once over 300 acres, has already shrunk to 190 acres. A private ticketed art complex now threatens to accelerate this destruction,” he wrote on X.
The Cubbon Park Walkers' Association had also opposed the project, arguing that allowing a private entity to develop a ticketed art complex would have set a dangerous precedent for further encroachments. Bengaluru residents took to social media to express their frustration over how the project was introduced. Many condemned the lack of public consultation, with one citizen posting, “Here’s another reason to be pissed off: A private entity is trying to take a few acres of Cubbon Park to start an Art Park! Without any public consultation and in a hush-hush manner. The Walkers' Association is already on it, but let’s not let private interests take over our beloved park, the only lung space in Bangalore.”
Criticism was also directed at the government’s handling of public spaces. “A weekly/monthly book reading at Cubbon Park is not permitted, but an Art Park involving crores is taken up. The priorities are misplaced and driven by greed of babus and politicians,” another user wrote on X.