Surjewala Accuses Centre of Harming Bengaluru’s Ecology Over HMT Land Sale

### rapid Summary
– AICC General Secretary in-charge of karnataka,Randeep Singh Surjewala,accused the Modi government and BJP-JD(S) of damaging Bengaluru’s ecology by pushing for real estate development instead of a planned biodiversity park.
– He praised Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre for efforts to protect forest land under Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT).
– Historical context: In the 1960s, 443 acres were allotted to HMT for a factory in Gorguntya-palaya. The factory shut down 15 years ago, and part of this land (160 acres) was already sold under central policy.
– Allegation: Congress-led Karnataka government wishes to convert the remaining 280 acres into a biodiversity park akin to Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park, but the Modi government and BJP-JD(S) allegedly prefer real estate development.- The dispute is currently pending Supreme Court judgment; hearings are set for July.

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### Indian Opinion analysis
This land-use debate reflects broader challenges faced by Indian urban centers as they navigate between ecological preservation and economic progress. while converting unused industrial areas into parks contributes significantly to combating urban heat zones and improving air quality, pressures from competing interests such as real estate development may potentially compromise long-term ecological sustainability. The matter highlights an urgent need for reviewing policies that prioritize green spaces amid rapid urbanization.

The resolution of this conflict could set an vital precedent not only for Bengaluru but also for similar disputes across India regarding repurposing public resources. With judicial intervention pending in July’s Supreme Court hearing, clarity on balancing environmental priorities with commercial aspirations will be pivotal.

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