Kondakarla Ava to Be Conservation Reserve; Pawan Seeks Faster Wetland Protection
Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to speed up wetland conservation, with Kondakarla Ava set to be declared a conservation reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to accelerate the identification and conservation of wetlands across Andhra Pradesh, describing their protection as a top priority for the government in line with Supreme Court directions.
He said the government has taken a significant step towards declaring Kondakarla Ava, a biodiversity-rich wetland in Anakapalli district, as a conservation reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The state granted permission to issue the mandatory NOC for the proposal, while the water department has also given its nod.
Kalyan, who heads the departments of forest and environment, asked officials to undertake a comprehensive survey of Kondakarla Ava and examine its potential for eco-tourism development. “All conservation measures should be implemented without affecting irrigation, reservoir management, hydraulic systems or any other public utility services.”
Helyan said scientific studies and field-level surveys had identified 950 wetlands across the state, all of which require notification. “The notification process for the first 16 wetlands is in its final stages and directed departments to speed up legal clearances and joint surveys in coordination with all concerned agencies.”
Noting that Kondakarla Ava served as an important habitat for resident and migratory birds, he asked forest officials to work with the water department to explore eco-tourism opportunities that would generate sustainable employment for local people while safeguarding the fragile ecosystem.
