Growing up in Bengaluru, a city once crowned the "Garden City," my fondest memories revolve around its lush parks, open spaces, and the vibrant flora that painted the city's landscape. These green retreats were more than just patches of land; they were sanctuaries from the ever-bustling city life, places where families gathered, children played, and the air was filled with the songs of numerous birds.

However, over recent years, our beloved Bengaluru has witnessed a rapid transformation into a "concrete jungle," losing its green identity to unchecked urbanization. Increasingly, our only open spaces—vital parks and community grounds—are becoming the target for infrastructure and utility projects. This has led not only to a decline in greenery but also to significant repercussions on the city's livability, air quality, and mental health of its residents. According to a study by the Bengaluru Urban Planning Authority, the city lost approximately 78% of its green cover in the last two decades, an alarming statistic that underscores the urgent need to preserve what remains.

While infrastructure is necessary for development, it should not come at the cost of our environment and quality of life. There is a pressing need to cap the area within parks used for such projects at 5% to balance urban development with ecological sustainability. This limit will help safeguard our diminishing green spaces and ensure that future generations inherit a city that is as inhabitable and beautiful as it was envisioned.

We propose the establishment of stringent zoning regulations, with dedicated watchdog committees to oversee their implementation, ensuring that urban projects are conducted judiciously and with respect to our natural environment. Additionally, investing in vertical gardens and green roofs could provide alternative solutions for urban infrastructure needs without compromising our parks.

As citizens who cherish the legacy of Bengaluru's greenery, we cannot remain silent. Our parks are our heritage, and it is incumbent upon us to protect them from further encroachment. Join me in urging the Bengaluru City Council to implement a cap on the usage of park areas for non-green projects. Sign this petition to preserve the soul of Bengaluru and keep our city vibrant, green, and livable for generations to come.