Bengaluru: Lake conservationists have upped the ante against Siddaramaiah government by starting an online petition against its move to transfer the custody of lakes to the Minor Irrigation department.
They said that the amendment was passed on Feb 23 without any debate or public consultation and the irrigation department, with expertise in maintaining irrigation tanks, would jeopardise the existence of urban lakes.
“If the government wants to empower any agency for lake protection, why can’ they provide funds to the BBMP, which has done an exemplary job in the protection of lakes,” said Ram Prasad, Co-founder, Friends of Lake. In the petition, the activists have urged the governor not to approve the amendment.
The public outcry is also against one of the developments in the amendment, which does not encourage community participation in the maintenance of lakes. Kaikondrahalli, Jakkur, Ambalipura, Kasavanahalli, Soulkere, Dorekere and Puttenahalli (Puttakere), J.P. Nagar tells the success stories of lakes which have been maintained with the help of citizens’ participation, they pointed out.
The petition condemned the repeal of Karnataka Lake Development Authority (KLCDA), which maintains lakes.
Organisations behind campaign
- PNLIT- Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust
- MAPSAS
- Friends Of Lakes
- Jalaposhan
- Vikas
- Jalmitra
- Citizens of Sarakki, Yelahanka and Puttenhalli
