Panel warns BDA on lake transfer

The Karnataka Legislature’s Standing Committee on Local Bodies and Panchayat Raj Institutions has strongly objected to the Bangalore Development Authority’s (BDA) move to transfer Varthur Lake to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) before completing its rejuvenation. Committee Chairman and MLA Rizwan Arshad criticized the attempt, stating firmly, “Nothing doing. BDA has to develop the lake first.” His remarks come after reports suggested that the BDA was trying to hand over the responsibility of the lake to BBMP without fulfilling its commitment to restore and rejuvenate the water body.

Varthur Lake, one of Bengaluru’s largest lakes, has long suffered from pollution, encroachment, and neglect. Although rejuvenation plans have been drawn up several times, implementation has remained sluggish, leading to public frustration and environmental concerns. The committee’s response underscores growing discontent with agencies trying to sidestep responsibilities. Rizwan Arshad emphasized that development authorities must be held accountable and cannot transfer civic burdens to another body without first fulfilling their own obligations.

The panel is expected to monitor the issue closely and has asked for a clear timeline and progress report from the BDA regarding the rejuvenation work. Environmental groups and citizen activists have welcomed the committee’s stand, calling it a necessary step toward restoring the lake’s ecological balance. BBMP officials have yet to respond publicly to the controversy, but sources indicate they are reluctant to accept the lake until the BDA completes its restoration duties.