Core Mind Software to pay Rs 13.5 crore; tribunal wants buffer zone around lakesAmidst the increasing clamour for the protection of lakes and water bodies in and around Bengaluru, a damning verdict has been delivered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against Bengaluru Mantri TechZone Pvt Ltd and Core Mind Software Services Pvt Ltd.The duo had jointly mooted an SEZ project on the wetlands of Bellandur and Agara lakes in the city in the hope of opening a new chapter in the conservation of pristine water bodies that were responsible for the salubrious climate of Bengaluru. Coming to the rescue of lakes and water bodies, the NGT has not only slapped a whopping fine of Rs 117 cr on Mantri, but also directed Core Mind Software to pay Rs 13.5 cr as penalty for destruction of the ecologically sensitive wetlands.Presiding over the PIL filed by the Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) and other citizen forums, the NGT had previously also fined Mantri and its business partners for causing intense damage to the sensitive wetland ecosystem of the lakes. The SEZ promoters then approached the Supreme Court for relief. While ordering a stay on the NGT verdict, the SC referred the matter back to NGT’s review bench. The review bench, after hearing the petition, upheld the earlier verdict and directed Mantri to pay a penalty of Rs 117 Cr.Penalty & Restoration of eco-system!According to NBF that fought against the project along with other stake-holders, the NGT has ordered the paying of the penalty and restoration of the damaged part of the wetland to its original condition.Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, Sridhar Pabbisetty, CEO of NBF said, “As per the NGT orders, Mantri has been directed to pay Rs 117 Crore, while their associates Core Mind has been given respite from the earlier order directing them to pay five per cent of the project cost. Instead the NGT has asked them to pay only three per cent of the project cost, amounting to Rs 13.5 Cr as penalty. This apart, the developers have been directed to restore the encroached 3.10 acres lake bed area to its original pristine condition before handing it over to the concerned authorities.Besides slapping the fine, the NGT has also ruled that all clearances -- particularly environmental clearances -- for the project stand cancelled and quashed the project’s sanctioned plans. Further, the developers have to demolish all existing structures and development works in the buffer zone.“The developers may have to apply afresh and authorities must consider the proposal from the perspective of the latest rules brought out by the MoEF,” Sridhar clarified. The NGT ruling has also turned out to be alarming for similar constructions in and around Bengaluru along lakes, as they too will be demolished for violating these rules.The NGT has also redefined the concept of the buffer zone and the mechanism of measuring a buffer zone from the centre of the drain (Rajakaluve). Pertaining to future projects in and around lakes, the NGT has said that the distance of the buffer zones have to be measured from the edge of the drain and not from the centre of the drain. It has stipulated that for primary rajakaluves it should be 50m, for secondary rajakaluves the distance must be 35m and similarly for tertiary rajakaluves the distance must be 15m.All these years all of us were aware that our lakes and water bodies were vanishing because of the criminal nexus between some officials in the government and builders. What it required, however, was a concerted effort by a group of determined people to see this through the legal process and get justice. That has been achieved by some of the NGOs, like-minded citizens and with a little help from me, resulting in this landmark victory that will go a long way in the conservation of Bengaluru’s pristine water bodies. The order now opens doors for prosecution of officials in the government who allowed such violations. Citizens must never forget that they have rights.“We are yet to receive order copy and can comment only after we get the same.”