Kolleru ~ Kolleru Lake

History of Kolleru Lake

Ancient Periods

Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, located between the Krishna and Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh.
It receives water from four rivers, namely Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru , Errakalva and 18 drains.
The lake acted as a natural flood-balancing reservoir, receiving floodwaters from the Krishna and Godavari rivers and draining into the Bay of Bengal via the Upputeru River.
Historically, rulers of the region—such as the Eastern Chalukyas and Vijayanagara Empire—encouraged paddy cultivation around the lake

Colonial Era (British Period)

The British recognized Kolleru’s importance as a fishery resource and a buffer against floods.
They promoted commercial fishing and paddy farming, slowly changing the natural ecosystem.
Early canal systems linked the lake to the irrigation network for agriculture.

Modern History (20th Century Onwards)

Post-independence, with the Green Revolution (1960s–70s), large parts of the lake were converted into fish and shrimp ponds.
By the 1990s, the natural spread of the lake shrank drastically due to encroachments and pollution.
In 1999, the lake was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary to protect migratory birds and wetlands.
In 2002, it gained international recognition as a Ramsar Wetland Site (Wetland of International Importance).

Recent Developments

Government interventions have been focused on removing illegal aquaculture ponds, restoring wetlands, and promoting eco-tourism.
Conservation drives have aimed to bring back migratory bird populations, which had reduced due to habitat loss.
Today, Kolleru Lake remains a critical site for birdwatching, fisheries, agriculture, and eco-tourism in Andhra Pradesh

Kolleru Lake’s history reflects a shift from being a natural flood-balancing and ecological hub to a commercially exploited zone, and now towards conservation and eco-tourism revival.