NEWS

• A greater flamingo was recently sighted at Varthur Lake, located near Bengaluru.
• The rare event has drawn significant public attention and renewed demands for the rejuvenation of the lake, which has long suffered from sewage pollution and neglect.

HIGHLIGHTS

Unusual Presence Raises Ecological Questions

• Greater flamingos typically avoid inland lakes, making this sighting highly unusual.
• Noted birdwatcher Deepa Mohan observed that the last flamingo sighting near Bengaluru was at Hoskote Lake.
• Experts suggest several possible factors behind the sighting:
  • Changing monsoon patterns
  • Shifts in weather conditions
  • Altered water currents
• Ecologists stress the need for a comprehensive ecological study to determine the exact causes.

Focus Back on Lake Restoration

• The flamingo sighting has shifted focus back to the Bellandur–Varthur lake network rejuvenation plan.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had set a deadline of August 2022 for lake restoration — a deadline that remains unmet.
• The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has sought an extension of time to complete the work.

Progress and Persistent Challenges

• According to BDA:
  • 70% of desilting at Bellandur Lake has been completed.
  • Work has temporarily halted due to monsoon rains.
• Restoration of Varthur Lake is nearly complete, but delays at Bellandur Lake continue to:
  • Obstruct full ecological recovery
  • Allow pollutants to spread downstream, affecting connected waterbodies