ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT GROUP Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) All these writ petitions involve common questions of law and fact. Hence, the above writ petitions have been consolidated for common hearing and passing common order. However, for clear understanding, the facts of each case are setout here under:

(2.) On the basis of the above allegations, the petitioners pray for canceling the lease granted in favour of respondents 14 to 17 and for a direction to the LDA and to the State authorities to assume for themselves the management and maintenance of lake and prayed for the following reliefs:

(3.) The 1st respondent in the counter has stoutly denied the allegations made in the petition. It is stated that private participation for management and maintenance of lake is permitted by the National and State Water Policy. The terms of lease do not permit any commercial exploitation nor the lessees are permitted to degrade the natural environment of the lake. The allegations of tampering the lake area, the encroachment of the lake bed area are stoutly denied. It is said that the contract given to respondents 14 to 17 is in accordance with law. The management and development of lakes involve huge expenditure and constant effective supervision and management. In view of the limitations faced by the 1st respondent and in consonance with the National and State Water Policy, the private participation is permitted.