Clear encroachments in buffer zones of lakes, Karnataka government tells BBMP

BENGALURU: Almost a month after the high court’s directive, the government ordered BBMP and other civic agencies to clear encroachments falling inside 30-metre buffer zones of tanks, lakes and rivers.
On Wednesday, KA Hidayathulla, joint secretary to the government, urban development (coordination), issued the order, stating structures standing in buffer zones of tanks, lakes and rivers should be removed to provide a healthy environment.
While lake and tank encroachments are a major concern, BBMP is yet to deter mine the extent of encroachment. Chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta said, “As per government directions, lake encroachments will be cleared.”
B Reddy Shankar Babu, special commissioner (lakes), admitted many tanks and lakes have been encroached but they are yet to ascertain numbers. A survey will be done and action initiated, he added. The move comes after the HC on July 14 directed the urban development department to issue directions to all municipalities to ensure removal of illegal constructions on tanks/lakes and their buffer zones.