Tank conservation: NGT summons officials

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed BDA, BBMP and BWSSB officials to be present at the hearing on Aug 11 regarding the failure and slackness in conserving the tanks which are under threat of drying up, reported Kannada Prabha.

The NGT was hearing the applications filed by Namma Bengaluru Foundation and Forward Foundation requesting it to direct the State Government officials from departments concerned to conserve tanks, including Bellanguru Lake, which are under threat of drying up.

During the interrogation, advocate representing Namma Bengaluru Foundation Panjwani said BDA, BBMP and BWSSB are not implementing the directions issued by NGT. They are not upgrading and providing facilities to the already existing treatment plants.  The BWSSB has complained in its letter that this requires funds to the tune of Rs 862 crores and BWSSB is unable to mobilise such huge amount.

He also complained that the Government Authorities are spending time in only preparing the project reports and never get around to implementing them. They do not seek funds from funding agencies. The authorities are also disinterested in conserving tanks, he alleged.

Considering these objections seriously, the bench sternly asked the State counsel to give at least one instance of action taken against any person or organisation for violating the buffer zone rules or encroachment of tank area. Responding to that the advocate for State said notices have been served to those who have encroached upon tank areas. However they pleaded for some time to provide more information regarding the same.

The bench asked the advocates to submit a report regarding the status of implementation of direction issued in the previous hearing and also summoned officials concerned to be present on Aug 11 personally.

• Action not taken to conserve tanks
• Officails summoned for next hearing
• Karnataka