The Karnataka government has approved the creation of the 153-acre Vishwaguru Basavanna Biodiversity Park in north Bengaluru, allocating an initial ₹50 crore towards the project. The park, which occupies land currently covered by acacia and eucalyptus plantations, will be redeveloped in phases to prioritise native trees, a medicinal plant section and an interpretation centre aimed at education and conservation.
Vishwaguru Basavanna Biodiversity Park plans and features
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said the idea of a large lung space in north Bengaluru is more than a decade and a half old. The Cabinet’s approval signals the start of formal work under a scheme that the government estimates will cost about ₹250 crore overall. The first tranche of ₹50 crore will kick-start clearance, planting, infrastructure and basic facilities, while many companies have indicated they will contribute under corporate social responsibility programmes.
Officials said the current mix of acacia and eucalyptus will be gradually removed and replaced with native species known to attract birds and support local ecosystems. The park will include a designated tree park that showcases native varieties, a separate section for medicinal plants and an interpretation centre where visitors can learn about Bengaluru’s botanical history and biodiversity value.
Planners framed the new park as part of a broader effort to enhance green cover and public access to open space in the city. Bengaluru’s last major public green spaces date back to colonial times. Lalbagh, established in 1760, covers about 240 acres, while Cubbon Park’s development began in 1870 and spans roughly 194 acres. The new park is intended to provide comparable open space for northern suburbs that have seen rapid urban growth.
Environmentalists welcomed the announcement but urged careful design and long-term maintenance plans. Native planting must be paired with water management, soil restoration and ongoing monitoring if the park is to deliver lasting ecological benefits. The government’s plan to phase changes over time offers scope to manage transitions without destabilising existing vegetation or local wildlife.
The Cabinet also approved several other significant measures. Revised cost estimates totalling ₹16,876 crore were cleared for Corridors 2 and 4 of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project. According to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, the revised figures include central funding of ₹357 crore for land acquisition and state provision of ₹3,066 crore for the same purpose, alongside ₹2,135 crore allocated for rolling stock.
Other approvals included a ₹19 crore allocation for a Karnataka GST Analytics Portal and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill, which seeks to map and digitise manuscripts, stone inscriptions and copper plates currently in private hands. Mr Patil said the digitisation effort would both preserve cultural heritage and make it more accessible to researchers and the public.
The Vishwaguru Basavanna Biodiversity Park will serve multiple roles: a public lung space for recreation, a conservation area for native flora and fauna, and an educational resource. With initial state funding and potential CSR contributions, the project is positioned to become a long-term commitment to urban greening in one of India’s fastest growing metropolitan regions.
Key Takeaways:
- State government approves Vishwaguru Basavanna Biodiversity Park on 153 acres in North Bengaluru with initial funding of ₹50 crore.
- Non-native acacia and eucalyptus will be phased out and replaced with native trees and a medicinal plant section to boost biodiversity.
- Project estimated at ₹250 crore overall with CSR contributions; Cabinet also cleared revised suburban rail estimates and digitisation initiatives.
