Privatisation of lakes in Bangalore ruled out

Privatisation of lakes in Bangalore ruled out

Special Correspondent

‘Why should lakes become property of star hotels?’

‘They can be developed by private parties’

Members oppose this suggestion

BANGALORE: Bangalore North in-charge Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu on Wednesday promised the Legislative Council that the Government would not privatise lakes in Bangalore.

His assurance came after Council Chairman B.K. Chandrashekar suggested to the Government to desist from privatising lakes. A large number of members of the House endorsed the views of the Council Chairman. Responding to this, Mr. Naidu remarked that there was no question of privatisation of lakes.

The issue of privatisation of lakes in Bangalore was raised in the Legislative Council on Wednesday by Janata Dal(U) member M.P. Nadagouda who expressed concern over such a move. He demanded that the Government should make known its stand on the issue.

The Council Chairman said privatisation of lakes is a serious issue. Lakes in Bangalore were being encroached upon by land sharks and private layouts had come up on lake beds. Such being the case, it was not proper to lease out lakes to private companies.

He took exception to leasing out a lake to a star hotel in the city. “Why should lakes become property of star hotels?” he asked.

The common man will cease to have access to lakes if they were handed over to star hotels, he said.

He asked the House to adopt a resolution on stopping privatisation of lakes. He also told Mr. Subramanya Naidu that it is not enough if he desists from privatisation of lakes. He should take steps to cancel the privatisation agreements which have been entered into with private firms.

MLC Vijay Sankeshwar was the only one who said that lakes should be privatised. He said the Government should retain rights over lakes but allow corporates to develop them. But other members opposed his views.