Karnataka Governor Demands Explanation on Bill to Reduce Lake Buffer Zones

A bill aiming to decrease the buffer zones surrounding lakes and ponds in Karnataka has been sent back to the government by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. He has requested the state government to provide further clarification on the matter. The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, passed by the state legislature, proposed modifications to these buffer zones, adjusting them based on the area of the water bodies. The Governor noted that many objections regarding the bill had been submitted to his office. The proposed bill would eliminate buffer zones for lakes up to 0.5 gunta. The buffer zones would vary, increasing from 3 meters for lakes up to one acre to 30 meters for lakes larger than 100 acres. Currently, a standard 30-meter buffer zone is in place, where construction is prohibited.