Environmentalists have urged the district administration to cancel the New Year celebrations at Valankulam Lake as it would disturb the lake ecosystem. The lake is home to more than 100 species of birds, including migratory birds that visit the region during this season. Several NGOs have also opposed the grand celebrations, which are being organized for the first time at the lake.
Varthur Lake is one of the two lakes under rejuvenation. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) took up the rejuvenation of Bellandur Lake and Varthur Lake under the guidance of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Residents of Varthur and lake activists blame the negligence of authorities concerned about strengthening the bund of the sewage diversion channel that was breached a week ago.