Lights at Agara Lake chasing away birds

BENGALURU: “If lights are on at lakes, then one should not expect migratory birds to visit water bodies,” said a trustee of the Forward Foundation, commenting on the dwindling number of migratory birds arriving at Agara Lake. The depreciating number of birds is because of powerful lights at the lake that disturb the birds’ diurnal rhythm, which is the cycle of plants and animals that repeats every 24 hours. Lakes should not only be treated only as recreational hubs, but also as a source to meet water and nature’s needs, he said.

The Forward Foundation representative said that the BBMP should emulate the Kaikondrahalli Lake model which after rejuvenation was turned into a nature park where an island attracts migratory birds. The lake was renamed Swami Vivekananda Parisara Dhama in 2017. “All lakes should be eco-engineered. The community at Swami Vivekananda Parisara Dhama has reserved it as a nature reserve,” he said.

A few months ago, activists protested against the use of powerful lights at the Doddabommasandra Lake, as it disturbs aquatic and plant life. Friends of Lakes co-founder and convener Ram Prasad said that water bodies do not need lights. “Plants and animals respond to day and night. Use of lights at night impedes their natural responses. This foolishness of safety and security for humans, who want to use lakes only for recreational purposes, should stop,” he said. When there is a need for natural vegetation, Agara Lake has exotic palm trees that do not allow roosting and nesting for birds, he criticised.