BJP writes to guv on move to give up ownership of lakes

BJP state general secretary and MP Shobha Karandlaje has urged Governor Vajubhai Vala to direct the state government to drop its controversial proposal to give up control and ownership of parts of dried up lakes.

In her letter to the Governor, dated July 22, 2017, Shobha said the government has proposed to amend the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, seeking to give up control and ownership of lakes, ponds and other water bodies that have dried up.

She has cited three specific instances of lakes in Bengaluru being ‘killed.’ These include construction of a layout on the Sadaramangala lake land in Kodigehalli, encroachment of the Haralur lake, off Sarjapur Road, and laying of a cricket pitch on the Sarakki lake in JP Nagar.

“One day or the other, the state is sure to get copious rains that would fill up these tanks. But the present policy of the government seems to be myopic, insensitive and callous,” the BJP leader stated, urging the Governor to ask the government to “come to its senses and stop denotifying tanks and lakes not only in Bengaluru but in the entire state.”