Lake encroachers must be prosecuted, NGT tells KSPCB

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to prosecute those encroaching Kaikondrahalli Lake's buffer zone in Varthur Hobli.

"KSPCB may take further action which may include recovery of compensation for the damage caused for restitution of environment and prosecution of the persons responsible for violating the law," the NGT principal bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said in its order.

As it is a first-of-its-kind order, it will have a major impact on lake buffer zone grabbers.

NGT, which heard several cases of lake encroachments in and around Bengaluru, has already pulled up authorities for being mute spectators. In some cases, the NGT imposed huge penalties.

Hearing a petition filed by Mahadevapura Parisara Samrakshane Mattu Abhivrudhi Samiti alleging illegal construction in Kaikondrahalli Lake's buffer zone, NGT said the KSPCB may coordinate with the BBMP and BDA in clearing encroachments and further restoration.

"The order is a warning bell to polluters and encroachers. KSPCB has to file a complaint before the judicial magistrate in Bengaluru under Environment Protection Act, 1986, and Water Act, 1974," P Ramprasad, advocate representing the Samiti, told DH.

"After filing a private complaint in the judicial magistrate against culprits, the KSPCB has to submit a status report to the NGT," he said.

Earlier, the joint committee headed by KSPCB chairman, C Jayaram, in its interim report to the green panel, said the Kaikondarahalli Lake is spread over 18.18 acres in Kaikondarahalli village and 30.5 acres in Kasavanahalli village, Varthur Hobli.

The waterbody is facing threats due to illegal constructions including houses and dumping of solid waste in the buffer zone. Though BESCOM provided electricity to illegally constructed houses, they were obtained by producing fabricated documents, the report had said.