Satellite Data Shows Kolleru Lake Shrinks 57% — From 2.22 Lakh Acres to Just 94,000

Visakhapatnam: Kolleru Lake, a vast freshwater expanse of 222,000 acres in 1975, has now shrunk to just 94,000 acres, according to the latest satellite data.

This decline, which represents an almost 57 percent reduction in its natural area, is attributed to the expansion of aquaculture and encroachment.

Bolisetty Satyanarayana, a senior leader of the Jana Sena party and an environmental activist, warned Prime Minister Modi, chief minister Chandrababu, deputy chief minister Pavan Kalyan and the Union environment ministry that uncontrolled human activity was pushing the lake into a crisis.

Located between the Krishna and Godavari deltas, Kolleru Lake is one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a Ramsar Site of international importance. It has served as a natural flood regulator, groundwater recharger, and climate stabilizer for the region for centuries.

Satyanarayana noted that the lake remained healthy until the mid-1970s, after which the proliferation of fish ponds changed the water flow pattern and led to a steady decline in its natural area. He criticized the poor enforcement of environmental regulations, stating that previous restoration efforts had not produced lasting results.

Satyanarayana raised legal concerns, citing Supreme Court directives banning encroachments within the notified plus five mean sea level limit. He argued that violating these regulations not only undermines environmental laws but also violates constitutional duties.

The ecological consequences of this decline are evident in the decline of migratory bird populations, increased pollution from aquaculture and untreated water, and the erosion of traditional fishing livelihoods. He warned that the reduced capacity of the lake could weaken its ability to control floods and pose a risk to surrounding communities.

While acknowledging that aquaculture contributes to income generation, he also warned that its uncontrolled expansion in sensitive areas could lead to long-term damage. He called on authorities to enforce existing regulations, eliminate illegal activities and implement a time-bound restoration plan with regular satellite monitoring to ensure accountability.

He said restoration will remain possible if local communities participate, but noted that urgent action is needed before the situation worsens.