Karnataka CM Proposes 730-Acre Public Park on Defence Land Near Iblur Firing Range

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has formally petitioned Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeking permission to develop a permanent public park and lung space on approximately 730 acres of defence land near the Iblur Firing Range in Bengaluru. The proposal, submitted this week, aims to transform the underutilized defence parcel into a major green zone for public recreation.

The Iblur Firing Range, located in the rapidly urbanizing eastern periphery of Bengaluru, spans over 730 acres and is currently used for military training. With Bengaluru's green cover shrinking due to rampant construction, the Chief Minister's office argues that repurposing the land would provide critical environmental and health benefits. Sources indicate that the state government has offered to develop and maintain the park at its own cost, while ensuring defence operations remain unaffected. The Defence Ministry has not yet responded to the request.

If approved, the project would mark a rare instance of defence land being transferred for civilian use in Karnataka. It could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other cities facing space constraints. However, security concerns and the need for alternative training facilities may complicate the approval process. The Chief Minister's office is expected to follow up with a detailed proposal, while local residents and environmental groups have welcomed the move, urging swift clearance.