Fresh reports of aquaculture tanks being dug in the Kolleru Lake region have raised serious ecological concerns, just months after large-scale demolition of illegal fish ponds under Supreme Court-mandated action. The renewed activity in this internationally significant wetland threatens to undermine conservation gains and reopens the long-standing conflict between livelihood practices and ecological protection.
Why Kolleru Lake Matters Ecologically
Kolleru Lake, situated between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas in Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s largest freshwater lakes. It is designated as a Ramsar site and forms the core of the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary.
The lake serves as:
- A critical habitat for migratory waterbirds
- A natural flood-balancing reservoir between two major river systems
- A breeding ground for freshwater fish species
- A key wetland ecosystem supporting biodiversity
Alterations to its hydrology directly affect both biodiversity and regional flood management.
Encroachment Drive and Supreme Court Oversight
In 2025, authorities reportedly cleared around 11,000 acres of illegal encroachments in the sanctuary area following Supreme Court directives. The drive targeted aquaculture tanks that had proliferated inside the lake’s notified boundaries.
However, recent reports suggest that aquaculture activity has resumed on nearly 5,000 acres, particularly in parts of Kaikaluru, Unguturu, and Eluru mandals. Villages such as Paidichintapadu and Vadlakutitippa have been identified as focal points of renewed activity.
Forest officials allege that some residents are digging shallow “zero-point” tanks of four to five feet depth in an attempt to bypass regulatory scrutiny.
Ecological Implications of Aquaculture in Wetlands
Unregulated aquaculture inside wetland ecosystems can cause:
- Alteration of natural water flow and drainage patterns
- Destruction of nesting and feeding grounds for migratory birds
- Water pollution from feed, chemicals, and waste
- Conversion of open marshland into enclosed fish ponds
Kolleru Lake lies along the Central Asian Flyway, making it an important wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds. Habitat fragmentation could significantly reduce avian diversity.
Livelihood Pressures and Local Resistance
The February 6 incident, where villagers resisted demolition efforts, reflects the socio-economic dimension of the issue. Aquaculture has become a major livelihood source in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
For many local communities:
- Fish tanks provide higher returns than traditional agriculture
- Wetland conversion has been ongoing for decades
- Regulatory enforcement disrupts income streams
This creates a classic conservation-versus-livelihood dilemma, requiring carefully balanced policy responses.
Legal and Institutional Framework
Kolleru Lake falls under multiple layers of protection:
- Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Designated as a Ramsar wetland of international importance
- Subject to Supreme Court monitoring in past environmental litigation
Any fresh encroachments within sanctuary boundaries constitute violations of environmental and wildlife protection laws.
Balancing Conservation and Development
The recurrence of aquaculture tanks highlights governance challenges:
- Weak enforcement capacity on ground
- Local resistance to eviction
- Economic dependency on aquaculture
- Need for alternative livelihood models
Experts argue that sustainable wetland management must combine strict protection of core zones with regulated buffer activities and community-based conservation incentives.
What to Note for Prelims?
- Kolleru Lake is located in Andhra Pradesh between Krishna and Godavari deltas.
- It is a Ramsar site and designated Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Important habitat along the Central Asian Flyway.
- Supreme Court monitored anti-encroachment drive in 2025.
- Aquaculture within sanctuary limits is considered illegal.
What to Note for Mains?
- Discuss challenges in wetland conservation in India.
- Examine the conflict between livelihood needs and environmental protection.
- Analyse the role of judiciary in environmental governance.
- Evaluate policy measures for sustainable aquaculture management.