Plan to Reduce Buffer Zones Around Lakes Raises Hackles | Bengaluru News – Times of India

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar Tues Told The Assembly That The Govt Plans to Construct Public Roads and Utilities Along 300km of Buffer Zone 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 reductions buffer zones around lakes depending on their size. Who BJP members attacked the move as a blow to bengaluru’s environment, others from the coastal districts welcome welcome 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. Unimpressed, BJP legislators from Bengaluru walked out in protest. However, the bill was laater passed. Earlier, BJP members from the City, LED by S SURESH KUMAR and OPPOSITION READER R Ashoka, Accused the Govt of Yielding to the real estate lobby. “As per statements and objectives, the bill was Necessible to Assist Industries, Entertainment, and Commercial Activities. Kumar said bengaluru was alredy “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 are proximity to them,” Said Kiran Kiran Kumar Kodigi from Kodapur. 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.