The Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday approved an amendment to the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014, reducing the buffer zones around lakes based on their size. The decision sparked sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru, said the government has identified 300 km of buffer zones around city lakes that must be protected. “We plan to construct public roads and utility spaces in these areas so that private parties cannot encroach upon them,” he told the House.
The move drew fierce criticism from BJP legislators from Bengaluru, who alleged that the government was yielding to the real estate lobby. Opposition leader R. Ashoka and MLA S. Suresh Kumar argued that shrinking buffer zones would only worsen Bengaluru’s ecological crisis. “The city is already competing with Delhi to be the most unliveable. Reducing buffer zones will invite further encroachment of lakes,” said Kumar. Ashoka added that the amendment raised “more concerns than solutions.” In protest, several BJP members from Bengaluru staged a walkout.
However, BJP legislators from coastal districts welcomed the amendment, saying it would provide relief to residents whose homes are situated close to small water bodies. “I welcome this bill on behalf of coastal Karnataka, where lakes are smaller and land is limited for housing,” said Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodigi.
Shivakumar rejected the charge of favouring builders, insisting that rules must be uniform across districts. Despite opposition resistance, the bill was eventually passed.