Following widespread backlash, the horticulture department clarified on Wednesday that there was never a formal proposal for an art park inside Bengaluru’s iconic Cubbon Park and that the idea has now been abandoned.

Regular walkers, angered by the prospect of losing open space, had threatened to escalate the issue by filing complaints with the governor. In response, Horticulture Secretary Shamla Iqbal explained that while representatives from the Museum of Art and Photography had inspected the land with the Cubbon Park deputy director, they never officially submitted a proposal. She further confirmed that the museum itself has now dropped the idea.

Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan hailed the decision as “a big victory for Bengaluru,” claiming that his strong opposition led to the project’s cancellation. He accused the authorities of attempting to privatize park land under the pretext of an art initiative.

However, Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association President Umesh S questioned the secrecy surrounding the issue. “If there was no formal proposal, why didn’t officials clarify this earlier? We demand an assurance from the government that no future projects will be allowed inside Cubbon Park,” he insisted.

The controversy has reignited concerns over preserving Bengaluru’s green lungs and preventing encroachments in its historic public spaces.