United Bengaluru to take up agitation stronger than the anti- steel bridge agitation to save lakes in City

The United Bengaluru is preparing to lodge complaints to NGT, Governor, Lokayukta. UB alleged government neglecting waterbodies in the City, real estate encroaching tank areas. UB would take up agitation stronger than the anti- steel bridge agitation

The United Bengaluru, the citizens movement to reclaim and protect water bodies in the City has taken up a series of investigations of lakes and tanks has extended its agitation and is contemplating lodging complaints against the State Government with the Governor, Lokayukta and also National Green Tribunal (NGT). It is preparing for a movement stronger than the one taken up against steel bridge, reported Kannada Prabha.

The United Bengaluru held a meeting with the urban experts and has opposed to the commercial activities being permitted even at the 30 feet roads for which the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is prepared by the Urban and Rural Directorate. Permitting commercial activities in narrow roads will be problematic for water, drainage and traffic.  It urges the government to make modifications in the FAR.  The conservation of tanks should be looked at from holistic view and complications that may arise in case of acute water shortage in Bengaluru was discussed.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the Urban Expert Balasubrahmanyam said according to the Urban Planning Act 1984, activities of any sort is not permitted in green zone. The government should follow this strictly.  If the government fails in this, complaint will be lodged with the NGT.  The government is showing an indifferent attitude towards conservation of tanks and is now is planning to denotify dried up lakes in the State, which is not right, he said.

Naresh Narasimhan, urban expert, said, when Cauvery was brought to Bengaluru, Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli water bodies were contaminated. Now, the government is making tanks disappear. Now only the court can protest the green belt.

Citizen Action Forum member N S Mukunda said real estate agents are encroaching tank areas and the Chief Minister and the Urban Development Minister must pay attention to this issue and think of the future of Bengaluru.

Coordinator United Bengaluru said if the State Government does not wake up to the situation UB would take up agitation stronger than the anti- steel bridge agitation. Lokayukta, Governor and NGT would be appealed to save water bodies in Bengaluru.