Ecologists raise alarm; locals demand fish farming rights up to 3rd contour
Kakinada:Encroachments continue to plague Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh’s largest freshwater lake and the state’s first designated Ramsar site. Environmentalists have raised serious concerns over the state government’s apathy in preserving the lake’s fragile ecosystem, while local communities are demanding permission to cultivate fish up to the 3rd contour to secure their livelihoods.
The state finds itself in a dilemma—balancing ecological conservation with the livelihood needs of thousands depending on the lake. In 2006, acting on Supreme Court orders following a petition filed by noted environmentalist T. Patanjali Sastry, the government dismantled several illegal fish ponds within the lake area.
Spread over 901 sq km and encompassing 144 villages, Kolleru Lake is officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary up to the 5th contour (covering over 308 sq km). Entry beyond this contour is prohibited to protect its ecological value. However, a 2024 RTI response revealed that 6,908.48 hectares of the lake area have been encroached upon.
Despite repeated warnings from conservationists, officials are accused of failing to act decisively—largely due to alleged political pressure. Kakinada-based environmentalist K. Mrithyunjaya Rao recently filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, which directed a committee to file a detailed report within 12 weeks. The report is to address four key aspects including demarcation and contour levels.
Rao stressed that the lake supports vital migratory bird populations from East Europe, Central Asia, and North-East China, besides serving as a nesting ground for native species.
Meanwhile, Kolleru Sangham general secretary Bale Yesu Raju recalled that former CM Jalagam Vengala Rao had allocated 50 acres per village to 144 villages in the 1970s for fish farming. Over time, these were leased out to other farmers due to poor yields. Locals now demand 25,000 acres—less than half the lake's 77,000-acre expanse—for sustenance. However, forest officials are reportedly dismantling bunds built by locals and not allowing further development.
Alliance leaders have promised a balanced approach—safeguarding both the lake’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of communities living around it.
GFX
Kolleru lake at crossroads
- Lake area: 901 sq km
- Wildlife sanctuary zone: Up to 5th contour (308 sq km)
- Encroachment: 6,908.48 hectares (as per 2024 RTI)
- Ramsar site status: First in AP
- Migratory bird source regions: East Europe, Central Asia, North-East China
- Local demand: 25,000 acres for fish farming (out of 77,000 acres total)
