Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sent back the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, demanding further explanation from the State Government. The controversial bill sought to drastically shrink the protected buffer zones around various water bodies, a move that had already cleared the state legislature during its monsoon session.
“According to expert analysis, the current 30-meter buffer zone around lakes is already insufficient; achieving true ecosystem balance would require approximately 300 meters. Therefore, these buffer zones should be expanded, not diminished.”— Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot
Governor Gehlot confirmed that his decision was influenced by significant objections raised by the Bengaluru Town Hall association, which had specifically urged him not to approve the 2025 amendment bill.
The proposed amendments outlined in the Bill would significantly alter the existing buffer zone regulations for various water bodies. For instance, tanks smaller than five guntas would lose their buffer zones entirely. Larger tanks would see their buffer distances dramatically reduced, as detailed in the following table:
| Water body size | Proposed buffer zone |
|---|---|
| < 5 guntas | 0 |
| Between 5 guntas and 1 acre | 3 metre |
| Between 1 acre and 10 acres | 6 metre |
| Between 10 acres and 25 acres | 13 metre |
| Between 25 acres and 100 acres | 24 metre |
| > 100 acres | 30 metre |
The Bill also sought to reduce buffer zones for canals:
| Canals | Existing buffer zone | Proposed buffer zone |
|---|---|---|
| Tertiary | 10 metre | 5 metre |
| Secondary | 15 metre | 10 metre |
| Primary | 30 metre | 15 metre |
Governor Gehlot emphasized that expert opinions indicate the current 30-meter lake buffer zone is already insufficient, with an actual need closer to 300 meters for ecological balance. He stated unequivocally that these zones should be expanded, not reduced. The Governor also criticized the government for failing to consult expert committees and the public regarding the potential implications of these amendments.
“This proposed change,” he asserted, “violates constitutional principles and established legal precedents, posing a serious threat to every citizen’s right to water security and a healthy environment.”
Consequently, Governor Gehlot returned the Bill, requesting comprehensive clarifications from the State Government on the concerns raised by the Bengaluru Town Hall. He specifically asked for an assessment of whether the amendment would indeed lead to adverse environmental effects, directing the government to resubmit the file with detailed explanations.
Reacting to the Governor’s decision, the Bengaluru Town Hall association expressed its satisfaction, noting that the returned amendment “threatens the 45,000 lakes in Karnataka.” Sandeep Anirudhan, convenor for Bengaluru Town Hall, commented, “The fact that the State Government would so carelessly attempt such widespread, potentially catastrophic amendments for both nature and the state’s population clearly demonstrates a disregard for the people’s interests. This situation demands immediate correction, and the government must be held accountable.”