The Karnataka Tank Development Authority Bill, 2014 today was passed with amendments as suggested by the Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly.
Giving in to Opposition demands, Minor Irrigation Minister Shivaraj Thangadagi agreed to make the bill more stringent and bring lakes in Bangalore under its purview.
The Opposition and some Congress members were unhappy with the bill as it had not included under its purview lakes existing in and around Bangalore.
The bill provides for establishment of a Tank Development Authority having necessary powers and functions to achieve the object of protection, conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies by a single authority, Thangadagi said.
The bill also provides for prohibition of making any irregular and unauthorised construction, any commercial, recreational or industrial complexes or houses within 30 metres from the outer boundary of the tank, he said.
The bill also prohibits construction of roads, bridges and likewise other structures within the tank area including tank bund without permission of the government, Thangadagi said.
The minister for minor irrigation will be the chairperson of the proposed authority, which will also have three non-official members nominated by the government amongst experts in various fields, like environment and ecology.
The bill also provides power to seize, release seized property and remove encroachment, the minister said.
The bill provides for penal action against those who violate its provisions, he said.
Violators will be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but may extend to two years and a fine of not less than Rs 10,000 but may extend to Rs 20,000, Thangadagi said.
