Lake conservation works through PPP

The state government has decided to take up conservation, preservation and development of tanks in private partnership under corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who presided over an executive committee meeting of the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KLCDA) at his home office Krishna on Thursday, directed the officials to take decisive steps towards finding permanent solutions for protecting and conserving lakes, on priority basis.

Kumaraswamy asked the departments concerned to encourage corporate firms and private organisations when they came forward to take up the government responsibilities by giving them speedy clearances to start the works.

He also directed the officers to prepare a detailed project report after studying the ground realities so that the lake projects can be taken in a phased and time-bound manner under CSR initiatives. He also directed the officials to take into consideration the opinion of experts during the planning stages.

While considering suggestions put forth by experts about development of catchment areas of Bengaluru lakes, Kumaraswamy ordered the immediate eviction of encroachments on Rajakaluves for free flow of rain water into tanks.

He also directed the additional chief secretary of Urban Development Department to prepare alternative plans to provide adequate housing to the poor who have built their homes on the storm water drains. Citing the example of Bellandur lake which is polluted with high levels of sulphates and phosphates, Kumaraswamy asked officials to set up STPs to prevent sewage and untreated water into lakes.

Stating that the government had proposed to the Centre to ban the content of sulphates and phosphates in detergents, he asked the officials to follow up on the proposal.

Kumaraswamy also informed the meeting that the government was taking measures to rejuvenate the Bellandur lake as per the National Green Tribunal directions.

Minor Irrigation Minister C S Puttaraju, after the KLCDA meeting, said, “A few corporate firms have come forward to invest around Rs 600 crore.”