Bengaluru, April 2026: Amid rising temperatures and growing heat stress, residents and climate advocacy groups in Bengaluru are calling for extended park hours to provide relief during peak summer conditions.
Citizens Push for Full-Day Park Access
A coalition of residents, along with organisations like the Heat Watch Foundation and Indian Ploggers Army, has urged authorities to restore longer park timings, especially during the hottest part of the day.
They have submitted a formal representation to local officials, highlighting the need for accessible shaded public spaces as temperatures continue to rise.
Midday Closures Under Scrutiny
Despite a 2024 civic mandate allowing parks to remain open from 5 am to 10 pm, many parks reportedly close between 11 am and 4 pm, limiting access when heat is most intense.
Activists argue that these restrictions defeat the purpose of parks as cooling spaces during extreme heat.
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
The issue has particularly affected:
- Gig workers and delivery personnel
- Street vendors and daily wage labourers
- Elderly citizens and students
With parks closed, many are forced to seek shade in unsafe or inadequate areas like pavements or building overhangs.
Parks as Urban Cooling Spaces
Experts and citizens stress that parks are not just recreational spaces but also critical urban infrastructure that help mitigate heat.
In a city facing increasing urban heat, access to green cover and shade is being seen as a public health necessity rather than a luxury.
Call for Policy Reversal
Residents have urged authorities to reverse the December 2025 decision that reduced park access hours and reinstate extended timings, especially during summer months.
The demand has gained traction, with dozens of residents supporting the petition and calling for inclusive and climate-responsive urban planning.
Growing Heat Concerns in Bengaluru
The appeal comes as Bengaluru faces:
- Rising temperatures
- Increasing urban heat island effects
- Reduced green cover due to rapid urbanisation
Officials are already exploring broader heat mitigation strategies, including cooling centres and urban greening initiatives.
