Committee reviews ESZ proposed for Kolleru Lake
At least 31 villages are falling in the five Mandals - Pentapadu, Ganapavaram, Undi, Kalla, Akiveedu Mandals - in the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone.
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Context
A committee constituted by the reviewed the boundaries proposed for declaring the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. The declaration of ESZs is a crucial step in creating a buffer zone to minimize the impact of human activities on protected areas, balancing conservation needs with local livelihoods.
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental
The concept of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) acts as a 'shock absorber' for protected areas, transitioning from areas of high protection to those involving lesser protection. Regulated under the , these zones restrict certain activities, such as commercial mining, while permitting others, like agriculture, to minimize negative impacts on fragile ecosystems. The declaration of an ESZ around Kolleru Lake, one of India's largest freshwater lakes and a vital habitat for migratory birds (including the Grey Pelican), is essential for safeguarding its biodiversity. It is also designated as a Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance) and an Important Bird Area (IBA). The establishment of an ESZ will help mitigate threats like pollution from agriculture and aquaculture, encroachment, and habitat degradation, ensuring the long-term survival of this unique wetland ecosystem.
Geographical
Kolleru Lake is strategically located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh. Its geographical position makes it a significant flood balancing reservoir during the monsoon season, absorbing excess water and preventing flooding in surrounding areas. However, this shallow depression is highly susceptible to siltation and nutrient runoff, leading to eutrophication. The proposed ESZ must account for these hydrological dynamics. UPSC often tests knowledge of crucial geographical features, their ecological roles, and the specific threats they face. Understanding the unique location of Kolleru and its function in the regional hydrology is vital for both Prelims mapping questions and Mains questions on wetland conservation.
Governance
The process of declaring an ESZ involves complex governance dynamics, requiring coordination between central and state authorities, as well as local stakeholders. The committee reviewing the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ, chaired by the District Collector and including political representatives and forest officials, highlights this multi-tiered approach. This reflects the principle of decentralized governance and the need for stakeholder consultation in environmental decision-making. The challenge lies in balancing the stringent conservation mandate of the with the socio-economic needs of local communities who depend on the lake and its surroundings for their livelihoods, particularly in aquaculture and agriculture. This often leads to conflicts and requires careful negotiation and consensus-building, a recurring theme in India's environmental governance framework.