In a striking display of creativity, Bengaluru Oota Company, a restaurant in the Karnataka capital, has unveiled a cocktail named ‘Varathur Overflow’, drawing inspiration from the notorious pollution of Varthur Lake. Arnav Gupta, in a widely shared post on social media platform X, showcased the cocktail, which has sparked both admiration and criticism.

The concoction, as described on the restaurant’s online menu, comprises tequila, orange brandy, vetiver vodka, pineapple juice, fresh citrus, ripe jackfruit, and salt air. However, it’s the symbolism behind the drink that has garnered attention. Varthur Lake, among the most polluted in Bengaluru, suffers from sewage influx, primarily from Bellandur Lake upstream.

Gupta’s caption accompanying the post reflects the sentiment of many: “Bengaluru Oota Company has a drink called ‘Varathur Overflow,’ a play on the Varthur Lake pollution incident. This city literally will make memes to the point of parody cocktails instead of fixing itself.”

The visual representation of the cocktail, resembling the polluted lake, prompted a user to comment, “Can pass as Bellandur Lake Snowfall as well.” Others praised the accuracy of the depiction, with one user remarking, “You gotta say it’s evocative. The color of the water, the windswept foam, the overwhelmed bridge. 100 per cent accurate.”

While some found the creation brilliant and nostalgic for Bangalore, others saw it as a subtle reminder of the environmental crisis. The discussion around ‘Varathur Overflow’ coincides with ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Varthur Lake, which has suffered significant ecological damage. In a distressing incident in October 2023, an operation to clear the lake led to the death of 25,000 fish due to water pollution. Despite ongoing efforts, challenges persist, with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) recently permitting rainwater inflow into the lake.