Karnataka Cabinet clears thirty-year lease of four acres in High Grounds for Bangalore Turf Club

The Karnataka State government has approved a thirty-year lease of four acres of land in High Grounds to the Bangalore Turf Club. The land currently houses club facilities and a heritage structure.

Relocation Plans

The decision comes as racing activities are expected to shift to the Kunigal Stud Farm. The club had initially asked for six acres to keep running its club activities and off-course betting centre, but the government agreed to provide four acres instead. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed the approval after a Cabinet meeting and noted that the club has asked for some time to complete the move.

Winter Session Rescheduled

In a separate decision, the State government announced that the upcoming winter session in Belagavi, which was planned for November 30 to December 11, will now start on December 2.

Context

Turf clubs in major Indian cities often occupy prime urban land that governments seek to reclaim for public use or infrastructure projects. Shifting racecourse operations to peripheral areas like Kunigal is a common way to free up valuable city space while allowing traditional equestrian sports to continue outside crowded urban centres.