Dear Chief Minister, on this World Environment Day, we urge you
to take affirmative action to protect Bangalore’s water source for all times
Mr. J. H. Patel
Chief Minister of
Karnataka
Vidhana Soudha
Bangalore 560 001
05
June 1999
Dear Sir,
You have categorically
stated that as Chief Minister you will not allow the development of the DLF
Housing Colony in the Arkavathi Valley.
We certainly applaud this decision of yours. But in keeping with the best of administrative traditions, and
preventing any further changes in Government policies in this regard, we
believe that your statement must be followed by effective legal action that
will accord total and permanent protection to the valley. As we await your action in this regard, we
present our concerns to encourage you in firm action in this regard.
For we have no doubt
whatsoever, that whatever the arguments advanced, the fact remains indisputable
that if the DLF project materialises, people of Bangalore stand the risk of
drinking highly contaminated water.
This could spell uncontrollable health hazards.
According to BWSSB, no development should be allowed
within 5 kms. of either side of the Arkavathy river basin. Vegetation along the river banks should not
only be sustained but promoted. Any
development activity along the river basin, human settlements included, should
be strictly prohibited.
Sir, as we commemorate
the World Environment Day this year, we believe you will provide a most fitting
reason for celebration, if you demonstrate your resolve not to compromise the
health and future of the citizens of Bangalore by declaring the Arkavathy basin
an “environmentally protected area”.
Not only will this help in warding off immediate threats to this
sensitive ecosystem, but it would certainly protect the area for all times to
come. There are ample provisions in the
Environment Protection Act to support such a declaration, and we believe the
Central Government will certainly oblige your request in this regard.
We look forward to an
affirmative response in this regard, and will be most willing to extend our
support and services in ensuring the future of Bangalore’s citizens is secured
for all times.
With best wishes,
Yours truly,
Leo F. Saldanha
Coordinator
Environment Support Group
36, Reservoir Road
Basavanagudi
Bangalore 560 004