Kolleru Lake

The Kolleru lake is a natural depression of land between the two major rivers, the Godavari on the East and the Krishna on the West. It is listed in the Ramsar Convention proceedings as the largest fresh water lake and wetland in Asia. It drains a catchment of about 2,000 sq. km. The water-spread area of the lake at +10 counter is about 890 sq. Kms, meeting the flood levels. At about 32.2 Kms away from the sea, the lake is connected to the sea through a narrow waterway called 'Upputeru'.

The eco-system of the Kolleru has been badly affected mainly due to

* Silting of the lake and subsequent loss of water holding capacity.

* The lake is receiving water from 15 main feeding drains, which carry agricultural, domestic and industrial effluents from the free catchment areas.

* Aquaculture and agriculture encroachments into Kolleru lake have caused serious drainage problems. Also seasonal backups of water flood the surrounding towns in monsoon.

* Aquaculture has affected the natural habitats for both the birds and fish.