The Kolleru Lake ecosystem — one of India’s largest freshwater wetlands and a globally recognised Ramsar site — has once again come under the spotlight for urgent environmental and infrastructure concerns. A fact-finding review by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), a statutory expert body constituted by the Supreme Court of India, has underscored several critical issues threatening the lake’s ecological balance and long-term sustainability.
Located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh and forming the core of the Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, this wetland historically supported rich biodiversity, including hundreds of migratory birds and diverse aquatic life. However, years of unmanaged human activity have transformed its ecological character.
What the CEC Has Raised Concerns About
ðŋ Environmental Degradation & Biodiversity Loss
CEC experts have pointed to persistent environmental pressures including pollution, encroachment, and unregulated aquaculture, which have degraded water quality and disrupted the lake’s natural ecosystem functions. These issues compromise Kolleru’s role as a habitat for migratory birds and a vital ecological reservoir.
ð Disturbance of Natural Hydrology
Natural water flows into and out of the lake — through tributaries like Budameru, Tammileru, and Upputeru channels — have been altered by human interventions. These changes have weakened the lake’s capacity for natural flood control, groundwater recharge, and seasonal water balance.
ðĶ Impact on Birds & Wildlife
Once a wintering ground for millions of birds, the lake has seen reduced biodiversity and altered migratory patterns due to habitat destruction and pollution. While periodic surveys have shown some recovery in bird numbers, the threat remains significant without comprehensive ecological management.
ð Infrastructure & Sewage Treatment Shortfalls
The CEC has underscored the inadequacy of sewage control, drainage treatment, and wetland infrastructure around the lake basin. Untreated waste entering the wetland degrades water quality and exacerbates eutrophication, harming aquatic life and human use downstream.
ð Need for Scientific Restoration Planning
Experts urge that restoration efforts must be science-led and comprehensive, including delineating hydrological boundaries based on ecological functions, dredging silt where needed to improve flow, and ensuring ongoing environmental monitoring.
Why Kolleru Lake Matters
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ðĶ Biodiversity Hotspot: Historically home to over 200 bird species and large migratory flocks.
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ð§ Flood Regulation: Acts as a natural buffer between Krishna and Godavari deltas, moderating seasonal floods.
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ð Ramsar Wetland: Recognised for international ecological importance since 2002.
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ð Local Livelihoods: Supports fishing and agriculture communities in surrounding mandals.
Despite these critical roles, decades of aquaculture encroachment, discharge of untreated waste, and conversion of lakebed areas have reduced the wetland’s integrity. Past government clean-up efforts such as “Operation Kolleru” addressed some threats, but long-term sustainability still needs focused action.
What Needs to Be Done
Experts and environmentalists recommend the following key interventions:
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Comprehensive ecological assessment and boundary delineation based on scientific evaluation.
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Effective wastewater management to prevent untreated inflows into the lake.
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Silt dredging and desilting of natural channels to restore natural flows.
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Monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal aquaculture and encroachments.
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Promotion of eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods that align with wetland preservation.
Striking a balance between ecological protection and socioeconomic needs will determine the future health of the Kolleru wetland and surrounding communities.
FAQ – Kolleru Lake Environmental Concerns
1. What is the Central Empowered Committee (CEC)?
The CEC is a Supreme Court-constituted expert body that assesses environmental issues and compliance with ecological protection directives.
2. Why is Kolleru Lake important?
It is one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, a Ramsar wetland site, and a critical habitat for migratory birds and aquatic species.
3. What major threats does Kolleru Lake face?
Pollution, aquaculture encroachment, infrastructure limitations, and disruption of natural water flows are key threats.
4. How can Kolleru’s ecology be restored?
Through scientific restoration planning, wastewater treatment, desilting, and enforcement of environmental protections.
5. What role does the CEC play for Kolleru Lake?
The CEC evaluates ecological threats, infrastructure gaps, and compliance with legal protections and advises action.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Is Kolleru Lake still a Ramsar site?
Yes, Kolleru Lake continues to be recognised for international wetland importance.
Are migratory birds returning to Kolleru Lake?
Some bird species return seasonally, though numbers fluctuate due to environmental pressures.
What causes pollution in Kolleru Lake?
Untreated sewage, aquaculture effluents, industrial discharges, and agricultural runoff contribute to degradation.
Conclusion
The urgent environmental and infrastructure concerns flagged by the **Central Empowered Committee for Kolleru Lake underline a moment of reckoning for one of India’s most significant freshwater ecosystems. Once a thriving wetland supporting biodiversity, migratory birds, and local livelihoods, Kolleru now stands at the crossroads of ecological restoration and sustainable development. Coordinated action — driven by science, policy enforcement, community engagement, and long-term planning — is essential to protect this invaluable natural asset for future generations.
