Overview

• The Governor sent back the Karnataka Tank/Lake Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill for resubmission with detailed explanations on legal and environmental concerns.
• The bill replaces the uniform 30‑metre buffer with size‑based limits: no buffer up to 0.5 gunta, 3 m up to 1 acre, 6 m for 1–10 acres, 12 m for 10–25 acres, 24 m for 25–100 acres, and 30 m for lakes above 100 acres.
• The proposal permits specified public‑utility works near water bodies—such as roads, bridges, power and water lines, underground drainage, jack wells or pump houses, and STPs—subject to prior approval by the Authority.
• The Governor cited an objection from the Bengaluru Town Hall Association, which argued that even the current 30‑metre buffer is insufficient and that reducing buffers could violate constitutional protections related to water security and a healthy environment.
• The legislation had cleared both houses in the recent session, and its return has prompted wider discussion among environmentalists and planners about lake protection, flood risk and urban infrastructure needs.