Rainwater harvesting must for buildings in Bengaluru

The state Cabinet on Wednesday decided to make it mandatory for owners of all buildings in Bengaluru to adopt rainwater harvesting structures, irrespective of their sital area.

Presently, rainwater harvesting is mandatory for only newly constructed buildings measuring 30x40 ft and above.

Briefing reporters after a meeting in Bengaluru, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said Section 72A of the Bengaluru Water Supply Sewerage Act, 1964, would be amended to implement the new rule.

Integrated townships

The Cabinet also decided to revive setting up of Ramanagaram, Solur, Nandagudi and Sathanur integrated townships in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.

The government had initially decided to set up these townships in 2006 as part of its plan to decongest Bengaluru. However, the project was shelved as there were no takers to take the project forward.

The previous BJP government had withdrawn a 2006 notification which disallowed conversion of agricultural land for residential and commercial activities in these towns. Jayachandra said the Cabinet had given in-principle approval to revive the project and that further details would be worked out shortly.

The Cabinet gave its nod for the implementation of Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana in Badami town.

No purchase of KIA shares

The Cabinet also decided not to purchase 33% of equity shares held by GVK Group in Kempegowda International Airport Limited. Jayachandra said GVK Group had decided to sell its shares and as per rules, the first offer has to be made to the state government, he added.