Buffer zone serves to help with the natural inflow
The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) has actually proposed a clinical modification of buffer zone guidelines based upon the size of waterbodies, ending up being the very first state in the nation take such a technique.
In a news release, KTCDA stated, “For the very first time in the nation, a proposition has actually been made to clinically customize buffer zone policies based upon the size of waterbodies/tanks in the state.” The relocation follows representations from chosen agents, consisting of the MLA from Kundapura and the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi, who looked for modifications in the consistent 30-metre buffer zone guideline, mentioning its out of proportion application to both little and big waterbodies.
Based upon its suggestions, the KTCDA has actually proposed a graded buffer system– no metre for as much as 5 guntas of water body, 3 metres buffer zone for water bodies in between 5 guntas and one acre, 6 metres for lakes above one acre to 10 acres, 12 metres for lakes above 10 acres to 25 acres, 24 metres for lakes above 25 acres to 100 acres, and 30 metres buffer zone for lakes above 100 acres.
The release stated, “This buffer range has actually been framed utilizing a clinical technique, as the buffer zone serves to assist in the natural inflow of rainwater into lakes … smaller sized tanks will have smaller sized buffers, while bigger tanks will have bigger buffers.” The proposition likewise consists of modified standards for nala buffers, changing the existing 30, 15 and 10 metre standards for main, secondary and tertiary nalas respectively, which were discovered to be unscientific.
Based on the modified proposition, the buffer zone will be 15 metres for main nalas, 10 metres for secondary nalas and 5 metres for tertiary nalas.
KTCDA included, “The adjustment enables just utility within buffer zones, without decreasing the tank capability or blocking water circulation … this adjustment is not planned genuine estate advancement; it intends entirely to bring harmony in buffer zones for various tank sizes.” Karnataka is the only state to have actually framed incremental buffer standards clinically connected to tank size, after evaluating practices in other states like Gujarat, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
According to KTCDA, the modifications will not increase flood threats, however rather assist alleviate them in city locations, while supporting important facilities like sewage treatment plants, water pipelines, and roadways.
Released on August 3, 2025
