Lake conservationists in Bengaluru have strongly condemned the Karnataka cabinet’s recent nod to the Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes shrinking lake buffer zones to just 3 metres and permitting commercial and industrial operations nearby. Activists warn this move could intensify encroachments and lead to irreversible ecological damage.
With only 4–5% of wetlands left, they labelled the amendment reckless and pro-builder, claiming it panders to real estate lobbies under the pretext of development. They argue that buffer zones are vital for flood control, water filtration, and biodiversity support, and cannot be compromised.
Sandeep Anirudhan, Convenor of the Coalition for Water Security, cited satellite imagery to show Bengaluru’s drastic environmental decline—from 70% green cover in 1970 to just 2–3% today, with concrete occupying 95% of the city. “This path leads to ecological collapse,” he warned.
Ram Prasad of Friends of Lakes accused the state of legalizing illegal constructions instead of removing them, calling the bill a blatant defiance of court orders. He stressed, “There is no lake in the city left untouched by encroachments.”
Jagadish Reddy Nagappa, associated with the Varthur and Bellandur Lakes Committee, called the amendment anti-environment and anti-people, saying it will exacerbate flooding, water shortages, and biodiversity loss. Activists urged the government to withdraw the bill, punish violators, and strengthen protection laws rather than weakening them to suit infrastructure projects like Brand Bengaluru, which allegedly propose roads through protected lake zones.