Draft Bill to prosecute lake polluters

Letting in sewage, dumping debris can attract imprisonment and fine

The draft Bill, which is now before the Law Department, empowers the Lake Development Authority to seize vehicles and machinery, confiscate property, and remove encroachments. File photo

The Lake Development Authority (LDA), described even by its own officers as a “toothless” body, has now drafted for itself powers to prosecute those who pollute or encroach upon lakes.

The proposed Karnataka Lake Development Authority Bill, 2014 (drafted by the LDA), which is now before the Law Department for approval, empowers the authority to seize vehicles and machinery, confiscate property, and remove encroachments (including crops, trees and buildings). Designated officers can arrest offenders without warrant.

Violations of certain provisions of the proposed Bill will attract imprisonment (three to five years) and a fine (Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000), according to the draft.

The draft Bill, however, has a long journey ahead before it is tabled in the Legislative Assembly.