Stop construction on lake buffer zone: NGT

BENGALURU: In the wake of lack of clarity on whether the National Green Tribunal’s order increasing buffer zone to 75 metres from 30 metres was applicable with retrospective or prospective manner, the construction of buildings on buffer zone has been stalled, said K.B.

Koliwad, Chairman of legislature committee on encroachment of lake beds. Addressing media persons Koliwad said that BBMP, BDA, deputy commissioner Urban and rural and Lake Development Authority (LDA) have been directed to provide re-survey report on the buffer zone within a month.

NGT has directed that no fresh buildings must come up on newly prescribed buffer zones. BBMP, BDA and LDA must ensure that no new buildings are built on the buffer zone. In case, any buildings are under construction they should be stopped forthwith and their no objection certificate (NOC) should be cancelled. The committee has not thought about demolishing the existing buildings and a decision will be arrived at after holding meeting with officials and legal experts.

Meanwhile, the committee has ordered a survey on the Storm Water Drain (SWD) network in the city and quantum of encroachments. Koliwad also said survey on storm water drain is going on. “We are expecting the same anytime soon,”' he added.

While inspecting Hulimavu lake, Koliwad was shocked to see a 32- storey apartment, with over 150 units, built on buffer zone. He immediately directed the BBMP to not issue Occupancy Certificate (OC) and directed the registration department not to register any flats until the issue of encroachment of buffer zone is settled.

Koliwad was shocked to find another building at Arakere lake area, where the revenue department had earlier removed the encroachment. He immediately directed the officials to exercise the provisions under the Revenue Act and demolish the encroachment.

Appeal to public Koliwad appealed to the public to be more cautious while buying a site, house or a falt, as construction activities on the lake buffer zone was rampant. He urged the public to check the title deeds and other valid documents to ascertain whether the property was not located on a buffer zone.

He warned of stern action against unauthorized and illegal constructions. He said some of the encroachers have submitted their reply, while some are yet to respond. Based on the reply, next course of action will be initiated, he added.