The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has assured the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it will maintain a 30-metre buffer zone around Byalakere Lake while carrying out development works in the Shivaram Karanth Layout in north Bengaluru.
The assurance was submitted before the Southern Zone Bench of the NGT in response to a petition filed by a local resident raising concerns about development activities near the lake.
BDA clarifies ongoing work
In its affidavit, the BDA stated that the only construction activity currently being undertaken near the lake is a 45-metre-wide road connecting Byalakere village and Byalakere Palya as part of the Shivaram Karanth Layout project.
The authority maintained that the development work is being executed in accordance with legal and environmental requirements.
Compliance with environmental norms
The BDA also referred to reports submitted by the Justice A.V. Chandrashekar Committee, noting that the recommendations had been placed before the Supreme Court before development activities commenced.
In its submission, the authority emphasised its commitment to environmental protection and stated that it would maintain the 30-metre buffer zone around the lake to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations.
Focus on lake conservation
The assurance is expected to address concerns regarding the impact of infrastructure development on water bodies and surrounding ecosystems.
Environmental safeguards around Bengaluru’s lakes have increasingly come under scrutiny as urban expansion continues across the city. Experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving buffer zones to protect lakes from encroachment, pollution and ecological degradation.
The matter is being monitored by the tribunal as development work continues in the area, with authorities expected to ensure that environmental norms are strictly followed.