PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government has approached the Central Empowered Committee seeking approval to revise the boundaries of the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary.

Issue:

• The present sanctuary limits, established in 2006 (G.O. Ms. No. 120), have caused significant friction with local fishermen and farmers, leading to demands to move the sanctuary boundary from the 5th to the 3rd contour level.
•  The SC-appointed Central Empowered Committee has expressed serious concern over the “inordinate delay” by the Andhra Pradesh government in fixing the final boundaries.
• Recently state government has asked the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to approve reducing the sanctuary area by ~20,000 acres in line with National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recommendations.

About  Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary

• Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary, located between the Krishna and Godavari deltas, is India’s largest freshwater lake and a crucial Ramsar site (designated 2002).
• Established in 1999, this ~308 sq km sanctuary supports massive migratory bird populations (e.g., Grey Pelican) and acts as a vital flood-balancing reservoir.

• Significance: It is a shallow, freshwater lake, famous for attracting migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas.
• Ramsar Site: Designated in 2002 as a wetland of international importance.
• Key Fauna: Primarily known for the Grey Pelican (indicator species), painted storks, open-billed storks, glossy ibis, and various migratory species.
• Hydrology: Fed by seasonal rivers Budameru and Tammileru and connected to the Krishna/Godavari systems via over 60 drains.
• Major Challenges: Encroachments due to aquaculture, illegal fish tanks, pollution from chemical fertilizer runoff, and reduction in water-holding capacity

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