Yellappa Reddy urges Karnataka Chief Secretary to drop proposed 5% park land provision

A.N. Yellappa Reddy | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Former Karnataka Forests, Ecology and Environment Secretary A.N. Yellappa Reddy has urged Chief Secretary to reconsider the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, warning that allowing even 5% of protected park land for infrastructure could set a wider precedent.In a letter on August 23, Mr. Reddy said that the proposed 5% provision required detailed scrutiny and questioned whether it was backed by scientific studies or recommendations from ecologists, horticulturists, planners or other independent experts.He said that Lalbagh’s ecological character could not be assessed merely through acreage or percentages, citing its old trees, soil, water systems, biodiversity and horticultural heritage.Mr. Redd