Bengaluru: Just before losing the confidence vote, the state government has done very big damage to the water bodies of the city by reducing the buffer zone criteria. While nobody knows the intention behind such a move, according to the revised buffer zone criteria fixed by the state government, construction activities will be allowed from 30 meters of the bank of any water body. This stands in contradiction to the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had banned construction in the 75 meters radius of a water body.

“The decision in this regard was taken on July 20 when the government was facing the fear of collapse,” explained an officer.

“The changes are effective on the construction rules near the Rajakaluve (stormwater drainages) also. The order has been issued under the pressure by builders,” he explained.

As expected civic activists have decided to oppose the state government’s move saying they will appeal against this with the NGT.