Plan to reduce buffer zones around lakes raises hackles
DK Shivakumar
Tuesday told the assembly that the govt plans to construct public roads and utilities along 300km of buffer zones around water bodies in Bengaluru.
He said this during a heated debate on an amendment to the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014, which reduces buffer zones around lakes depending on their size. While some BJP members attacked the move as a blow to Bengaluru's environment, others from the coastal districts welcomed it as relief for residents whose homes are located near small water bodies.
Shivakumar said that as minister in charge of Bengaluru, he had identified 300km of buffer zone that need to be safeguarded.
"For this purpose, we plan to construct public roads and set up utility areas to ensure private parties cannot encroach these areas," he said.
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Unimpressed, BJP legislators from Bengaluru walked out in protest. However, the bill was later passed.
Earlier, BJP members from the city, led by S Suresh Kumar and opposition leader R Ashoka, accused the govt of yielding to the real estate lobby. "As per statements and objectives, the bill was necessitated to assist industries, entertainment, and commercial activities.
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This suggests the govt has bowed to the real estate lobby," said Kumar.
Kumar said Bengaluru was already "competing with Delhi" for being the most unliveable city. "Now, by reducing buffer zones, the govt is inviting more people to encroach upon lakes," he said.
Ashoka backed Kumar's call, urging the govt to reconsider the legislation. "There are more concerns than solutions with this decision," he said.
But BJP members from coastal districts welcomed the bill. "I welcome this bill on behalf of coastal districts where water bodies are smaller in size and land for people to construct their homes are in close proximity to them," said Kiran Kumar Kodigi from Kundapur.
Shivakumar insisted that no undue advantage was being extended to builders. "We cannot have one rule for Bengaluru and another for coastal districts," he said.
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