H K Patil opposes plan to give up control of 'long-lost' lakes

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H K Patil has opposed the proposal of the Revenue Department to give up control and ownership of parts of lakes, ponds and other waterbodies that have dried up and lost their original features.

Speaking to journalists here on Tuesday, he said Karnataka was facing a severe drinking water shortage. “Several waterbodies have dried up owing to drought. Giving up ownership of such dried lakes will prove detrimental. The focus should be on rejuvenation of lakes and recharge of groundwater,” he added.

The Revenue Department has proposed to bring in suitable amendments to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, to re-classify dried-up waterbodies that have long lost their original character so that they could be used for other purposes. If the proposal is implemented, it could come as a blessing to those who have illegally built houses on lakebeds that have lost their original identity.