Also the Central Government Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) has some guidelines regarding lake conservation. The National and State Water Policy barely quote lakes, let alone its protection and conservation. Implementation of the policy itself is questionable.
This article advises citizens to take legal routes when necessary to protect lakes and involving entities like Lokayukta and reaching out to the Supreme Court, High Court, or the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Key acts and rules related to lake conservation are highlighted for citizens’ awareness and use timely. One can also take the legal way to bring justice to lakes by reaching to the Supreme Court, High Court or the National Green Tribunal by understanding the nature of the problem. It important to know what are some of the key acts & rules that one must be aware of before considering conservation of lakes or lobbying for lakes which are as follows:
- Environment Protection Act 1986
- Water Act 1974
- Wetlands Rules 2017
- KTCDA Act 2014
- Karnataka Land Revenue Act 1964
- Karnataka Irrigation Act 1965
- KMC Act 1976 and resolutions, etc
- Karnataka Groundwater Act 2011 & 2012
The sanctity of the lake has to be maintained for its own ecosystem. Allowing a variety of trees to naturally grow which houses many birds, insects, reptiles etc will balance the ecosystem. Adding a variety of fish, frogs, tortoises and a range of aquatic plants will maintain the lake’s diversity. Reducing the eutrophication of lakes is also a continued process. Tertiary treatment of sewage water is of utmost importance before letting the treated water into the nala or the sale of treated water is also a good starter kit for lake maintenance. As responsible citizens of our country, it is our duty to hand over lakes and other green, clean & safe patches to the next generation as a token of love and care for them as well as nature. Just by maintaining our lakes in Bengaluru, we can get sufficient potable water and it is high time people are water and environment-conscious at large. So, come let’s rejoice and celebrate “Water”.
The sanctity of the lake has to be maintained for its own ecosystem. Allowing a variety of trees to naturally grow which houses many birds, insects, reptiles etc will balance the ecosystem. Adding a variety of fish, frogs, tortoises and a range of aquatic plants will maintain the lake’s diversity. Reducing the eutrophication of lakes is also a continued process. Tertiary treatment of sewage water is of utmost importance before letting the treated water into the nala or the sale of treated water is also a good starter kit for lake maintenance. As responsible citizens of our country, it is our duty to hand over lakes and other green, clean & safe patches to the next generation as a token of love and care for them as well as nature. Just by maintaining our lakes in Bengaluru, we can get sufficient potable water and it is high time people are water and environment-conscious at large. So, come let’s rejoice and celebrate “Water”.