In September 2025, the Karnataka government issued a notification modifying the buffer zones around Bengaluru’s stormwater drains and lakes. The new guidelines prescribe just 15 metres for primary drains, 10 metres for secondary, and only 5 metres for tertiary drains—much lower than the earlier mandates of 30/15/10 metres.

The notification follows the proposal to amend the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) Act, reducing buffer zones around lakes. Lake buffers, which were at 30 metres, have been proposed to be reduced to a range between 0 and 30 metres, based on the lake’s size.

This move has been criticised by civic activists and disaster management experts, who warn that shrinking buffer zones will accelerate flooding, tree loss, and the deterioration of lakes and smaller tanks. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had earlier directed larger protective zones.

The issue has now reached a flashpoint, with the Karnataka Governor recently returning the KTCDA (Amendment Bill), 2025, seeking clarifications from the government on lake buffer zone reductions. Meanwhile, concerns remain that reduced buffers could give developers more room to build at the edges of drains and tanks, weakening both the health of water systems and the safety of communities living around them.

Read more: Why Bengaluru must preserve and restore its lakes

The notification to modify the drain buffer zones is open for public consultation. Citizens can send their objections or suggestions to the Urban Development Department by September 30, 2025.

In this interview, Ram Prasad, Co-founder of Friends of Lakes, explains what these changes mean for Bengaluru’s environment, flood resilience, and the future of its lakes and tanks.

Also read:

• Bengaluru lakes can be maintained only with local community support: Usha Rajagopalan
• Saving Bengaluru’s lakes: Why BBMP should institutionalise community participation
• Tale of neglect: Unchecked urban growth turns Mullur Lake into a sewage dump