Context:
- Reports indicate that new aquaculture tanks have been dug in parts of Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary, despite previous demolition of illegal tanks following Supreme Court directives.
Key Highlights:
Location and Establishment
- Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary is located between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas in Andhra Pradesh.
- Spread across West Godavari and Krishna districts.
- Established in November 1999 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Geographical Features
- Covers approximately 308 sq km of wetlands and marshes.
- Protects the Kolleru Lake wetland ecosystem, one of India’s largest freshwater lakes.
Hydrology
- The lake receives water from:
- Budameru River
- Tammileru River
- Connected to the Krishna and Godavari river systems through 67 inflowing drains and channels.
International Recognition
- Kolleru Lake was designated a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 2002.
Ecological Importance
- Migratory Bird Habitat
- Serves as a major stopover site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
- Wetland Ecosystem
- Supports diverse aquatic plants and submerged macrophytes.
Flora
- Dominated by aquatic vegetation and wetland plants that provide food and nesting habitats for birds.
Fauna
- Bird Diversity
- Hosts over 150 species of resident and migratory birds.
- Common Bird Species
- Little egret
- Cattle egret
- Pied kingfisher
- Small blue kingfisher
- Black-capped kingfisher
- Pond heron
- Grey heron
- Night heron
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located in Andhra Pradesh between Krishna and Godavari deltas.
- Established in 1999 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Ramsar Convention
- International treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- India currently has 75+ Ramsar Sites (number may increase periodically).
- Wetland Ecosystem Functions
- Flood control
- Groundwater recharge
- Biodiversity conservation
- Migratory bird habitat
Relevant Mains Points:
- Wetlands as Ecological Buffers
- Wetlands regulate hydrological cycles, mitigate flood risks, and support biodiversity.
- Threats to Kolleru Lake
- Illegal aquaculture tanks and encroachments.
- Agricultural runoff and pollution.
- Habitat degradation affecting migratory birds.
- Judicial Intervention
- The Supreme Court ordered demolition of illegal aquaculture tanks to restore the wetland ecosystem.
- Balancing Livelihood and Conservation
- Local communities depend on fisheries and agriculture, making conservation politically sensitive.
Way Forward
- Strict enforcement of wetland protection laws.
• Implement community-based wetland conservation programs.
• Promote sustainable fisheries instead of destructive aquaculture.
• Strengthen monitoring under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper III: Environment, biodiversity conservation, wetland ecosystems.