The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Bill, which provides for the establishment of a lake conservation and development authority, was tabled in the Legislative Assembly here on Saturday amid din by the Opposition BJP members who had trooped into the well of the House demanding a discussion on the issue of Ministers facing charges.
The Bill is proposed for protecting and restoring lakes and to facilitate recharging of depleting groundwater by promoting an integrated approach with the assistance of government departments, local and other authorities, Forest Minister B. Ramanatha Rai, who tabled the Bill, said.
It also aims at exercising regulatory control over all the lakes within the jurisdiction of all municipal corporations and the Bengaluru Development Authority, including the prevention and removal of encroachment of lake areas and its natural drainage system.
It also proposed to prepare a plan for integrated development of lakes and to improve and create habitat of wetland for aquatic biodiversity, water birds and aquatic plants controlling the pollution of lakes from sewage and industrial effluents. The proposed Bill will also encourage participation of communities and voluntary agencies and launch public awareness programmes towards preservation of lakes.
