BJP's Walkout Over Controversial Karnataka Lakes Bill

The BJP staged a walkout from the Karnataka Assembly over the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, claiming it would harm Bengaluru's lakes. The bill, presented by Minister Boseraju, aims to redefine buffer zones for lakes, leading to accusations of catering to real estate interests.

On Tuesday, the BJP members of the Karnataka Assembly staged a walkout to protest the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill. They allege the bill's provisions threaten the survival of lakes, particularly those in Bengaluru, by redefining the buffer zones, despite the bill's clearance by the Assembly.

BJP MLA and former Minister S Suresh Kumar claimed the government has succumbed to the real estate lobby's interests. He insisted that reducing the lakes' buffer zones is unscientific and environmentally harmful, echoing sentiments of other legislators like Yelahanka BJP MLA S R Vishwanath, who argued the bill contradicts Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal rulings.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar dismissed these claims, stating the government is taking a practical approach. Minister N S Boseraju clarified that the buffer zones would be used for governmental purposes, not for private developers. The bill's amendment allows specific public utility constructions within buffer zones with authority approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)