Governor Vajubhai Vala signs lake act, angry activists to launch drive

BENGALURU: Governor Vajubhai Vala has signed the bill repealing the Karnataka Lake Development Authority (KLCDA) Act disappointing lake protection activists.

Last month, the Assembly had passed a bill to transfer lakes to the minor irrigation department and to repeal the KLCDA act, leading to angry protests by environmentalists.

Lake protection activists had launched a signature campaign and submitted their request to the governor, asking him not to sign the bill as it violates the law of local self-governance.

"We are disheartened, but we have not lost hope in our judiciary, though the political fraternity has let us down badly," said Mr Ram Prasad, co-founder, Friends of Lake, hinting that environmentalists could approach courts to stop Act being implemented.

The major opposition to the bill is the transfer of lakes to the minor irrigation department, which has little expertise in handling urban lakes.

"The minor irrigation department is notorious and they have badly managed lakes in the past. KLCDA has some shining examples to its credit. The government has cut the roots of the KLCDA even before it could take off, "said water expert Kshitij Urs. The new bill allows construction on lakebeds if it does not reduce the tank capacity.

Mr Prasad said that the government could have strengthened the KLCDA Act, as it has done outstanding work in stopping construction of road projects on lakebeds and even removed encroachments.