The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) is learnt to have issued directions to the Andhra Pradesh government over illegal fish ponds and environmental degradation in the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary, asking the Eluru District Collector to extend full cooperation to the Forest Department in removing illegal aquaculture ponds.
According to information, the directions came after the Forest Department informed the committee that local authorities were not providing adequate support for demolition drives, and that officials were facing obstruction during the removal of illegal ponds.
Taking note of the complaint, the CEC instructed the district administration to immediately cooperate with the Forest Department and ensure effective implementation of the demolition process.
The committee also sought a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh government on fresh encroachments and the construction of illegal bunds within the Kolleru lake area. It expressed serious concern over the provision of electricity connection to illegal fish ponds operating within the wildlife sanctuary, sources say.
The CEC further raised concerns over the deteriorating ecological condition of the Atapaka Bird Centre, when it was highlighted that the bird habitat was drying up, posing a threat to the survival of migratory and resident bird species.
The committee also directed the State government to submit a comprehensive response on pollution in the Kolleru Lake caused by medical waste and pesticide residues. It took serious note of the allegations that water supply to the Atapaka Bird Centre had been disrupted, adversely affecting the wetland ecosystem.
The CEC instructed the Eluru District Collector to submit a report on the progress of the demolition of illegal fish ponds and the measures being taken to prevent pollution and restore the ecological health of Kolleru Lake, sources said.
