The Karnataka governmentis set to introduce the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming Assembly session. The proposed bill aims to relax existing buffer zone norms around lakes, paving the way for commercial, industrial, and recreational development near water bodies.

What's changing?

Under the proposed changes, lakes over 100 acres will continue to have a 30-metre buffer zone, while those between 25 and 100 acres will have the buffer reduced to 24 metres. For lakes smaller than 1 acre, the buffer zone is proposed to shrink drastically to just 3 metres.

Currently, lake buffer zones are protected to prevent encroachment and maintain ecological balance. The revised norms could open previously restricted areas to development.

Political reactions

The proposal has triggered strong backlash from the opposition BJP. Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka termed the move “shocking but not surprising,” accusing the Congress government of yielding to real estate lobbies. “This is real estate gangsterism. Bengaluru is already reeling from floods and disappearing green spaces. This bill is a death warrant for the city’s environment,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Ashoka also blamed Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, alleging the plan prioritises profits over people and nature.

Government’s response

Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre clarified that the proposal originated from the Urban Development Department and assured that the cabinet would ensure no harm to the environment before moving forward.

Defending the bill, Minister Priyank Kharge accused the BJP of offering criticism without solutions. Congress MLA Ajay Singh said the proposal would be thoroughly discussed, including inputs from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

If passed, the bill would mark a major policy shift in how Karnataka manages urban development around its lakes, raising concerns over the potential ecological impact on Bengaluru and beyond.