Karnataka Governor Seeks Clarity on Bill Affecting Lake Buffer Zones

The Governor of Karnataka has sent the bill concerning the modification of buffer zones around lakes and ponds back to the government, requesting clarification. The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, recently passed by the state legislature, proposed a reduction in the buffer zones based on the size of the lakes and ponds. The Governor has sought an explanation to understand the impact of the amendments. The bill stated that lakes up to 0.5 gunta would not have any buffer zone. The existing standard 30-meter buffer zone, which prohibits construction, would be changed based on the lake’s size. Furthermore, the Governor received a request from the Bengaluru Town Hall Association expressing concerns that the current 30-meter buffer zone is insufficient and that a 300-meter buffer zone is needed to maintain the ecosystem balance.