Preserving the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary: A Step Towards Eco-Sensitivity

New Initiative Unveiled: The Wildlife Division of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has embarked on a crucial mission to compile an inventory of land use and surrounding activities near the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary. This endeavor paves the way for the declaration of the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). Let's delve into the significance of the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary and its journey towards eco-sensitivity.

Discovering Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Nestled in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh, the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a vital wetland sanctuary.

• Its establishment in November 1999 was made possible under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

• This sanctuary safeguards a portion of the Kolleru Lake wetland, a site of international importance recognized by the Ramsar Convention in 2002.

• Serving as a critical wetland ecosystem, it acts as a crucial stopover point for migratory birds.

Biodiversity Abound:

• The sanctuary boasts a rich array of flora, including various aquatic plants, submerged macrophytes, and wetland vegetation. These components offer essential sustenance and shelter to the diverse bird species that call this sanctuary home.

• Among the commonly sighted avian residents are the little egret, cattle egret, pied kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, black-capped kingfisher, pond heron, reef heron, grey heron, night heron, and many more.

Key Insights into Kolleru Lake:

• Kolleru Lake holds the distinction of being India's largest freshwater lake.

• Situated in Andhra Pradesh between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, it covers a sprawling area of 308 square kilometers.

• Beyond its natural beauty, the lake serves a vital role as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for these two mighty rivers.

• The lake draws its sustenance directly from the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru streams, and it's intricately connected to the Krishna and Godavari river systems through a network of over 68 inflowing drains and channels.

• In addition to its ecological significance, the lake provides a precious habitat for migratory birds.

• Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 under India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it earned international acclaim as a wetland of immense importance in November 2002 under the Ramsar Convention.

In summary, the efforts to designate the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone underscore the importance of safeguarding this invaluable natural treasure. This initiative not only ensures the preservation of the sanctuary's biodiversity but also promotes responsible land use and activities in the surrounding areas, fostering harmony between nature and human endeavors.