D.K. Shivakumar petitions defence minister for permission and land

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. | Photo Credit: PTI Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday (September 28, 2026) petitioned Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for cooperation in expediting clearances, and sought land parcels for seven urban infrastructure and development projects in Bengaluru.During his meeting with the Defence Minister in Delhi, the Chief Minister proposed development of a permanent public park and lung space on around 730 acres of defence land near the Iblur Firing Range. The State has proposed a public park without commercial development while the ownership will remain with the defence authorities.Seeking solution for 10 notified slums on about 43.83 acres of defence land, he has proposed transferring government land of equivalent area at a suitable alternative location. He has cited difficulties in identifying equal value land within Bengaluru. The Chief Minister has also sought urgent permission for repair and redevelopment of slum area, as monsoon rains have caused flooding.The State has also sought review of height restrictions within 20 kms radius of HAL airport and Air Force Station Yelahanka while balancing flight safety, and has proposed limiting mandatory NOC requirement to a 15 kms radius from the aerodrome reference point.To ease traffic in the South-East corridor, it has sought defence land for a 24-meter road connecting Lower Agaram Road, near the Government Hospital to Sarjapur Road via Ejipura Junction that will reduce pressure on Inner and Outer Ring Roads. The State government has already tendered and awarded the project.Among others, State has sought 2.039 acres of defence land for a ramp near Hebbal for the proposed Bengaluru Urban Vehicular Twin Tunner project, permission for the tunnel to pass through defence areas near Mekhri Circle without disturbing the surface, 6.87 acres of defence land for a 18 meter link road connecting Ballari Road and Sarovara Layout and widening of the road at Mekhri Circle on Ballari Road and 0.77 acres from DGQA and PRTC to widen the existing two lane to three lanes to ease traffic congestion. Published - September 28, 2026 05:59 pm IST