The legislature committee on lakes visited Hulimavu and Arekere lakes on Wednesday following complaints by locals that an apartment complex is being constructed in the buffer zone.
S. Suresh Kumar, a member of the committee, said, “Realty firm Valmark is building a 22-storey apartment complex near Hulimavu lake. A part of it comes within the 30 metre buffer zone. Revenue officials had conducted a survey and put up a board to demarcate the buffer zone. But when we visited the site, it was evident that the builder had thrown away the board and continued with the construction. Another survey has been ordered. The part of the building in the buffer zone will be demolished.”
While the existing buffer zone is 30 metres, a recent order by the National Green Tribunal extended it to 75 metres.
K.B. Koliwad, chairman of the committee, said that they had ordered a survey of the buffer zone around all lakes and the report is expected in another 30 days. “We will take a decision on what to do with buildings in the buffer zone after seeing the magnitude of the issue,” he said. He advised home buyers to be cautious and cross check the land documents before buying any property in the city.
