The Karnataka government is set to face opposition for its decision to file a review petition in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to reduce the buffer zone for the city’s lakes. In its 2016 guidelines, the NGT had set the 75-metre buffer zone stating no permanent structure should be built within 75 metres of a lake boundary. 

Namma Bengaluru Foundation, a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation working on civic issues, said it will defend any attempt made by the Government of Karnataka to modify NGT orders on the buffer zone and the rejuvenation of lakes. The organisation, which was set up by BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, had earlier impleaded itself in the Bellandur lake case.

The state government on Thursday had decided to move the green court to reduce the buffer zone following a meeting between Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister G Parameshwara, Law Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar and other officials concerned. The government will also file a review petition opposing the December 6 order asking the government to park Rs 500 crore in an escrow account to be used for the rejuvenation of Bellandur lake.

Following the meeting, Parameshwara had said, “In Maharashtra, Delhi and other places, the buffer zone is 15 metres. To maintain a buffer zone that is five times more in a city like Bengaluru is practically difficult. This has to be brought to the notice of the NGT.”

Reacting to this, Suresh NR, Head of Namma Bengaluru Foundation, said, “Instead of devising a plan and strategy to rejuvenate Bellandur lake as per the NGT’s recent order, the Government of Karnataka has decided to expend its energy in filing a petition to review the order to transfer Rs 500 crore in an escrow account for the purpose of rejuvenating Bellandur Lake.”

He added, "On the other hand, NBF will also be filing an application with the NGT seeking clarification on the extent of buffer zone from rajakaluves, which is contradictory to its 2016 order."