The wetlands in the state, both natural and manmade, are significant. In addition to these bigger systems there are innumerable lakes, big (cheruvu) and small (kunta) all over the state which harbour different types of biodiversity, chiefly microorganisms. But these are being run over due to pressures of urbanisation, industrialisation, aquaculture etc. About 673 square km area of Kolleru lake is not fully protected. No systematic water quality monitoring, sampling and analysis have been conducted in the lake water.

A project team from Osmania University, Hyderabad, has conducted some tests in 1980s and in 1993. The APPCB started sampling and analysis of the pre and post-monsoon seasons from June 1995. Results indicated high eutrophication of the lake water.

Coastal and marine systems are inadequately studied. Dolphins, rare fish, crabs, molluscs, sea algae etc require greater study. Meanwhile sewage and industrial effluents enter the Bay of Bengal and Mangroves in different ways, affecting marine life and future productivity. The sacred groves are in different stages of degradation. However about 100 out of 800 are in a fairly good condition of preservation.

The need of the hour is to conserve these natural resources and their habitats. This however, requires long term planning and judicious management, developed on the basis of sound scientific knowledge on the status and dynamics of the different natural resources.