Govt reduces buffer zones along drains in Bengaluru region

Bengaluru

The Karnataka government has issued a fresh gazette notification amending the zonal regulations under the Revised Master Plan (RMP)–2015 for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region, significantly reducing the mandatory buffer zones around around stormwater drains.

According to the Urban Development Department’s notification (No. UDD 468 MNJ 2025), the new norms replace the earlier buffer requirements of 50 metres for primary drains, 25 metres for secondary drains, and 15 metres for tertiary drains that were stipulated under the previous RMP-2015.

Under the revised rules, the buffer zones have now been reduced to 15 metres for primary drains, 10 metres for secondary drains, and 5 metres for tertiary drains. The notification states that these revised norms will apply to all approved master plans under the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), the Bengaluru–Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Local Planning Area, and other local planning areas within the metropolitan region.

The government clarified that buffer zones for lakes will follow standards specified in the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority Act, and such buffer areas may be used for creating parks and open spaces while approving development plans.

The order, issued under Section 13-E of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, also notes that objections and suggestions received in response to the draft notification published on September 1, 2025, were duly examined before finalising the regulations. The notification will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette.