NGT order is 'prospective, not retrospective'

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) order redefining the buffer zones of lakes and their rajakaluves (feeder canals) will be prospective and not retrospective. Earlier, there was a fear that the existing structures within the buffer zones will also be under the radar.

“All the authorities concerned are directed to incorporate such conditions in the projects to whom environmental clearance and other permissions are now granted, not only around Belandur lake, rajakaluves, Agara lake, but also all other lakes/ wetlands in the city of Bengaluru,” the NGT said in its order.

Reacting to it, Sridhar Pabbisetty of Namma Bengaluru Foundation said people who had valid permission from the competent authorities need not panic.

Unaware
Meanwhile, residents living near Gowdanapalya lake said they had no knowledge of the order and its fallout.

Chandrashekhar, a resident, said he had been living in the area for the past two decades and he had the ‘Hakku Patra’ (ownership rights) for the house.

“Hakku Patra is a legal document. I am paying the property tax, too. No one can remove me from here.”

A similar view was expressed by others living near the lake which has now turned into a large sewage pool.