Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sent back the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill to the state government, which seeks to reduce buffer zones around lakes and ponds. The Governor has also sought clarifications from the government, stating that it must be examined whether the proposed changes would have any real impact.

The bill, recently passed by both houses of the state legislature, proposes reducing the buffer zone based on the size of the water body. At present, there is a uniform 30-metre buffer zone around all lakes where construction is prohibited. The amendment, however, recommends the following:

• No buffer zone for lakes up to 0.5 guntas

• 3 metres for lakes up to 1 acre

• 6 metres for lakes of 1–10 acres

• 12 metres for lakes of 10–25 acres

• 24 metres for lakes of 25–100 acres

• 30 metres for lakes above 100 acres

Objections raised
Governor Gehlot noted that his office had received several objections against the bill. One such representation came from the Bangalore Town Hall Association, which argued that the current 30-metre buffer zone itself is inadequate, with experts recommending a 300-metre buffer to maintain ecological balance. The association said reducing the buffer would endanger ecosystems and biodiversity, while also criticizing the government for not consulting experts or the public before proposing the amendment.

In his communication, the Governor said the bill is being returned to the state government for re-submission with proper clarifications.