Bengaluru Residents Petition for Extended Park Hours to Combat Heatwave Crisis
In response to record-breaking temperatures sweeping through Bengaluru, a coalition of residents and climate advocates has formally petitioned for the reinstatement of extended park hours to address a growing public health emergency. The initiative, led by the city-based NGO Heat Watch Foundation and the volunteer group Indian Ploggers Army, aims to reverse a December 2025 decision that closed south Bengaluru parks during the hottest parts of the day.
Formal Request Submitted to Local Authorities
On Wednesday, the groups submitted a formal representation to Jayanagar MLA CK Ramamurthy, urging the government to overturn the park closure policy. Despite a 2024 mandate from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) requiring parks to remain open from 5 am to 10 pm, the petition alleges that many green spaces in south Bengaluru have reverted to restricted schedules, shutting their gates between 11 am and 4 pm.
Community Support and Field Observations
The representation included signatures from over 70 residents of south Bengaluru, highlighting widespread community concern. Field observations conducted by the coalition reveal that these park closures have forced gig workers, street vendors, and delivery partners into inadequate spaces, such as building overhangs or narrow strips of pavement outside locked park gates. This situation exacerbates health risks during extreme heat, as these individuals lack access to shaded and cooler areas for respite.
Public Health Implications and Advocacy Efforts
The petition underscores the critical role of parks in mitigating heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations. Climate advocates argue that extended park hours are essential for providing safe havens during peak temperatures, which have been linked to increased cases of heatstroke and other health issues. The Heat Watch Foundation and Indian Ploggers Army are calling for immediate action to align park operations with the BBMP mandate, emphasizing the need for consistent access to public green spaces to combat the escalating heatwave crisis in Bengaluru.
