No scientific or ecological basis for reducing lake buffer zones: Conservationist Ram Prasad

by September 19, 2025 Environment
In a video interview, the co-founder of Friends of Lakes warns that shrinking buffer zones could unleash unchecked construction, threatening Bengaluru’s lake ecosystems.

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.

Citizens can send objections/suggestions to:

Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department,
Vikasa Soudha, Dr. Ambedkar Veedhi,
Bengaluru – 560001

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About Gangadharan B

Gangadharan (he/him) is an independent journalist, deeply passionate about writing and multimedia storytelling. He holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and his work focuses on gender, human rights, climate and civic issues. He is particularly interested in uncovering and sharing the lives and experiences of marginalised communities.
Read more by Gangadharan B

Comments:

  1. Ramesh says:
    September 21, 2025 at 3:38 pm

    Buffer Zones of 30-15-10 should be maintained along primary,secondary & tertiary drains with tree coverage to keep the lakes intact

    Reply
  2. Stump Grinding Services Port Douglas says:
    September 26, 2025 at 10:38 am

    Useful post, keep sharing more like this.

    Reply

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