Karnataka Assembly Passes Controversial Bill to Revise Tank Buffer Zones
The Karnataka Assembly has passed the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, despite strong opposition from the BJP, which claims the ruling Congress government has caved to the real estate lobby.
Karnataka AssemblyReal EstateTank ConservationBuffer ZoneBengaluruReal EstateAug 20, 2025
Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju tabled the Bill for debate, claiming that it aimed at relaxing the buffer zone limits as legislators from the coastal region have also insisted it in the interest of development. He gave instances of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and AP, wherein revision was being done.
Taking strong exception to the revision of buffer zone limitations for tanks, applying it to even Bengaluru, however, senior BJP legislator S Suresh Kumar suggested that a House Committee be set up to review the Bill. “The government surrendered to the real estate lobby. We have to save Bengaluru and preserve its tanks as the Directive Principle of Section 48(A) of the Constitution says it’s the state’s responsibility,” he thundered.
DCM DK Shivakumar issued a clarification that no builder has approached the government on the issue. Meanwhile, he claimed to have identified 300 km of buffer zone in Bengaluru for public utility, as there is a plan to use it to develop new roads and lay pipelines.
Interestingly, some BJP MLAs from coastal Karnataka welcomed the revision as it will help the region which has more small tanks. But Leader of Opposition R Ashoka also opposed the Bill, insisting that the report of the previous House Committee set up to study tanks should be revisited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025?
The bill aims to revise the buffer zone limitations around tanks in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, to facilitate development and address the needs of the coastal region.
Why did the BJP oppose the bill?
The BJP opposed the bill, alleging that the ruling Congress government has caved to the real estate lobby and is compromising the preservation of tanks, which is the state's responsibility as per the Constitution.
What did Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju claim about the bill?
Minister NS Boseraju claimed that the bill is in the interest of development and that similar revisions have been made in other states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
What did DCM DK Shivakumar say about the buffer zones in Bengaluru?
DCM DK Shivakumar clarified that no builders have approached the government on the issue and that 300 km of buffer zone has been identified in Bengaluru for public utility, including new roads and pipelines.
Why did some BJP MLAs from coastal Karnataka welcome the bill?
Some BJP MLAs from coastal Karnataka welcomed the bill because it will help the region, which has a higher number of small tanks, and is expected to facilitate development in those areas.
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