Depleting water levels in Kolleru lake spread over West Godavari and Krishna districts has been creating panic among the agrarian and fishermen communities. The drought-like situation is also worrying environmentalists.
Kolleru, touted to be the largest freshwater lake in Asia, is spread over 30,855 hectares (308 square km). However, the area extends up to about 901 square km if the water level reaches up to the 10th contour (maximum level). According to scientists and wildlife division authorities of the Forest Department, 189 species of birds are nesting in the lake. The water body is also home to rich flora and fauna. This apart, it provides livelihood for thousands of families.
Parched lakebed
Four rivulets — Tammileru, Gunderu, Budameru, and Ramileru — and about 67 major and minor irrigation canals flowing from the Godavari and the Krishna are the main sources of water for the lake. However, due to poor monsoon and negligence, the lake has been drying up since the last few years, causing great concern to ecologists, researchers, bird watchers, and tourists.
Parched lakebed
Parched lakebeds are seen in many parts in Kolleru, particularly in the Northern and Eastern sides of the lake (i.e. in the upland areas), during winter season.
The situation is likely to be severe during peak summer if officials do not take measures to maintain water levels in the lake, say locals.
Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) P. Shivashankar Reddy says that many farmers and fishermen eke out their living in the lakebed villages in West Godavari and Krishna districts. The water body is a good place for research activity for scientists and environmentalists, he says.
Forest officials say that they will submit a proposal to Krishna Collector Babu A. requesting release of water from Krishna canals into the lake and increase the water level to help save the remaining flora and fauna. A team of officials is likely to meet the Collector on Monday. Fisheries Department Assistant Director P. Suresh says that about 2,000 fishermen families and 55 Fishermen Cooperative Societies (each society comprising 80 to 100 fishermen) are dependent on the Kolleru lake. The adverse monsoon conditions are killing fish in large quantity, he says. “We urge the government to respond to the situation, take up dredging in canals and drains, and divert water from the Krishna to increase water levels in Kolleru, which will help farmers, fishermen, and villagers,” says S. Mastan, a fisherman of Agadala Lanka in West Godavari district.
Assistant Conservator of Forests of Kaikaluru Sub-Division K. Vinod Kumar says that the water level in the lake is alarming and the Forest Department is taking steps to maintain the levels in Kolleru.
“It is a fact that many fish perished in the sanctuary at Atapaka. Keeping in view the past experiences, we are making efforts to explain the situation to the district officials and the forest authorities and get water into the lake,” he says.
Forest officials to petition Collector seeking release of water from the Krishna
