Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority


The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority was a government agency with jurisdiction over all lakes located within municipal corporations in the state of Karnataka, or any other lakes specifically notified under the Act. The KLDCA replaced the Lake Development Authority, a government funded non-profit working to regenerate and conserve lakes within the jurisdiction of the BMRDA.

Background

The Lake Development Authority was created by Government order on 10 July 2002 as a registered society for the monitoring, regeneration and conservation of lakes in and around Bangalore city, later extended in 2003 to all lakes within Karnataka municipal corporations. Rendered ineffective and largely inactive due to a lack of statutory authority, staffing, branch offices and funding the LDA claimed it could only feasibly play a role in mediate between citizens and the custodians of the lakes.
To address these deficiencies, the Government passed the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act 2014 creating a superseding agency for the purpose of protecting, conserving, reclaiming, restoring, regenerating and integrating the development of lakes, whether natural or man-made in the state of Karnataka. The KCLDA was reported to have successfully prevented encroachments onto urban lakes during its short period of operation.
In 2016, the KLCDA 2014 Act was repealed, and regulatory jurisdiction over the state's lakes handed over to the Minor Irrigation Department. Activists claim the act was repealed to appease special interests.