Karnataka Guv returns bill reducing lake buffer zones, seeks clarification
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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has returned to the government the Bill that reduces the size of buffer zones around lakes or tanks in the state, seeking clarification.
The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, passed in both houses of the state legislature recently, proposes to reduce the buffer zones of lakes, based on the area of the water bodies.
Citing objections received by his office in connection with the Bill, the Governor has said it is necessary to get clarifications from the state government on the issues raised, and also to know whether this amendment really has an adverse effect or not.
“Hence, return the file to the state government to re-submit the file along with proper clarifications in this regard,” the Governor has said in a communication from his office to the government.
The bill proposes to introduce area-wise buffer zones for water bodies and permit construction of certain public utility activities such as roads, bridges, electrical line, water supply line, Under Ground Drainage (UGD) line, Jack well or pump house or Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Intermediate Sewage Pumping Station (ISPS), Wetwell, Aquaduct and allied works with prior approval of the Authority.
According to the bill, lakes up to 0.5 gunta will not have a buffer zone. For lakes measuring up to one acre, the buffer zone will be 3 metres. It will be 6 metres for lakes sized 1-10 acres, 12 metres for lakes sized 10-25 acres, 24 metres for lakes sized 25-100 acres, and 30 metres for lakes above 100 acres.
At present, lakes have a standard 30-metre buffer zone, where no construction activities are permitted.
The Governor, in his communication to the government, noted that his office has received objection from the Bengaluru Town Hall Association with a request not to give assent to the Bill, citing concerns that as per the expert's opinion, the present lake buffer zone of 30 Meter itself is insufficient, and the real requirement is nearly 300 m to achieve ecosystem balance, and if anything, to do, the buffer zone should be increased not decreased.
It also said that the state government has neither consulted the expert committee nor the public about the implications of this amendment.
“It is in violation of the Constitution and settled Law, and is harmful to every citizen, affects the citizens' right to water security and a healthy environment,” according to the association, as mentioned in the communication.
The Governor further said the association has also given a detailed memorandum about the constitutional violations, central laws and guidelines, and adverse impact on water security issues.
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Karnataka, France explore deeper ties in AI, aerospace, defence manufacturing
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government and France on Tuesday discussed expanding collaboration to strengthen technology infrastructure and development, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge met Anne Le Hénaff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Government of France, in Bengaluru.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems and digital governance, with both sides expressing strong interest in building long-term, structured partnerships between Karnataka and France, according to a statement issued by Kharge’s office.
France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and technology professionals and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka on structured talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, the statement said.
“The discussions built on the strong foundation of Indo-French collaboration in areas such as aerospace, animation and emerging technologies, including earlier engagements through Centres of Excellence, academic partnerships and startup exchange programmes,” it said.
The two sides also reviewed ongoing engagement with French innovation ecosystems and institutions, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.
Kharge outlined Karnataka’s vision to create dedicated innovation, skills and manufacturing corridors with global partners, particularly in the context of the Indo-French Year of Innovation.
He highlighted the state’s proposal to strengthen engagement through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) and to establish a physical institutional platform in Karnataka to support French startups, SMEs and MSMEs seeking market access, R&D collaboration and a long-term presence in India.
“A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing. We can work towards a skills corridor focused on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence, incubators and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains,” Kharge said.
“Bengaluru can be a gateway for French companies entering India, and Paris can be a gateway for our startups entering France and the European Union,” he added.
Hénaff said France’s approach to AI is guided by three priorities: building sustainable AI, ensuring AI serves the public interest, and strengthening the protection of children in the digital world.
“As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy and inclusive AI by combining innovation, regulation and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values,” she said.
