Revision of state’s lake buffer zone norms alarms activists

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s decision to reduce lake buffer zones and allow construction closer to waterbodies has alarmed lake protection volunteers in Bengaluru.

They fear the move could weaken environmental safeguards, legitimise past violations, and allow new encroachments.

Last week, the state cabinet approved the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, permitting commercial, recreational, and industrial activity within buffer zones — bypassing National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders.

Under the revised norms, buffer zones are now tied to the lake size. While the 30-metre buffer remains for lakes over 100 acres, it drops to 24 metres for lakes between 25 and 100 acres, and to just three metres for those under one acre.

The Federation of Bengaluru Lakes (FBL), representing 47 citizen groups, criticised the changes, warning they erode environmental protections.

“Buffer zones are not just empty spaces — they are vital for flood control, pollution prevention and preserving lake ecology,” the group said.

It blamed enforcement failures — not rules — for encroachments and urged lake-specific assessments, citizen consultations, and stricter implementation.

“This is not the time to legalise past neglect, but to restore trust and ecological balance through transparency and science-based policymaking,” said V Ramaprasad, FBL convener.