Concern over degradation of Kolleru Lake

Bolisetty Satyanarayana, environmental activist and national convener of Jal Biradari, has raised concerns over the steady deterioration of the ecological health of Kolleru Lake, once a thriving freshwater ecosystem that supported biodiversity, livelihoods, and natural flood control.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Mr. Satyanarayana said the lake has witnessed a consistent decline over the past five decades, primarily due to a shrinking water spread, the expansion of aquaculture within its boundaries, and the disruption of natural hydrological patterns. He alleged that successive State governments and enforcement agencies have failed to safeguard the lake, even violating court directives meant for its protection.

Citing satellite mapping and spatial analysis, he noted that the lake spanned around 2,22,600 acres in 1975. As of 2025, nearly 1,28,000 acres have been converted for aquaculture or encroached upon, leaving only about 94,000 acres as open water. This, he said, reflects a major transformation of a natural wetland into an altered land-use zone.

Mr. Satyanarayana urged both the Centre and the State to immediately halt illegal aquaculture and remove encroachments. He warned that failure to act could trigger public protests by citizens and stakeholders seeking protection of the lake.

He further pointed out that the degradation has led to a decline in migratory bird populations, the loss of traditional fishing livelihoods, rising pollution from untreated inflows and aquaculture discharge, and a weakening of the lake’s flood-buffering capacity. These impacts, he said, extend beyond environmental concerns, affecting public safety, the economy, and long-term regional stability.

Calling for urgent intervention, he proposed a time-bound restoration plan, independent monitoring using satellite data, and stronger accountability mechanisms. Decisive and transparent action, he added, is essential to restore the lake’s ecological balance.