Bengaluru: NGT increases buffer zone around lakes to prevent damage due to construction

This was done after a public interest litigation was filed by members of Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) founded by Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekar.
Bengaluru: NGT increases buffer zone around lakes to prevent damage due to construction
Bengaluru: NGT increases buffer zone around lakes to prevent damage due to construction
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​The principal bench at National Green Tribunal in New Delhi has set a higher threshold for buffer zones for construction around lakes and storm water drains.

It has also fined Mantri Techzone and CoreMind, for their constructions in and around Bellandur- Agara Lakes, with Rs 117 crore and Rs 13.5 crore respectively for destroying an ecologically sensitive area. Mantri and CoreMind’s construction has been stayed until environmental clearances based on new amendments are obtained.

The amendment says that the buffer zone around lakes would be increased to 75m from the existing 30m. The distance of the buffer zone for rajakaluves has been directed to be computed from the edge of the rajakaluve instead of the centre point.

NGT’s ruling has come as a shock to other developers who have violated environmental norms.

This was done after a public interest litigation was filed by members of Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) founded by Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekar.

Ignoring the SEZ developers appeal to the Supreme Court for relief, a review bench went ahead and imposed a penalty.

Sridhar Pabbisetty, CEO of NBF said, “Core Mind, Mantri’s associate, has been given respite from the earlier order directing them to pay five per cent of the project cost. Instead the NGT has asked them to pay only three per cent of the project cost, amounting to Rs 13.5 cr as penalty. This apart, the developers have been directed to restore the encroached 3.10 acres lake bed area to its original pristine condition before handing it over to the concerned authorities.”

NGT has said that the developers have to demolish all existing structures and development works in the buffer zone, reported BangaloreMirror.

“The developers may have to apply afresh and authorities must consider the proposal from the perspective of the latest rules brought out by the MoEF,” Sridhar clarified.

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