Aquaculture tanks ‘resurface’ in Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary after demolition drive

New aquaculture tanks have reportedly been dug in parts of the Kolleru Lake area, where illegal tanks were demolished recently as part of an encroachment drive undertaken following the Supreme Court orders, raising concerns about ecological violations in the internationally significant wetland.

On February 6, local residents resisted the entry of a team of forest officials who went there to demolish the illegal tanks at Paidichintapadu village.

Highly placed sources say that aquaculture activity has resumed in approximately 5,000 acres of land that were cleared a few months ago during the anti-encroachment drive. Sources said the aquaculture tanks resumed operations in Kaikaluru, Unguturu and Eluru areas of Kolleru Lake.

According to sources, nearly 3,000 acres of land saw renewed fish tank activity last week, followed by an additional 1,500 acres this week, indicating a rapid expansion.  Villages including Srungavarappadu, Gummallapadu, Pandiripalligudem, Kolletikota, Vadlakutitippa, Penchikalamarru and Nathagullapadu are reportedly witnessing aquaculture operations in an estimated 3,000 acres.  

In Eluru Mandal, fish tanks have allegedly resurfaced in villages such as Prathikollalanka, Paidichintapadu, Komatilanka and Pedayaganamilli, covering approximately 900 acres. Specific locations such as Vadlakutitippa, Pattikollanka and Paidichintapadu have been identified as focal points of the renewed activity, say sources. 

According to forest officials, about 11,000 acres were freed from illegal encroachments in the Kolleru wildlife sanctuary in 2025.

“Emboldened by the Paidichintapadu incident, other villagers are also blocking the entry of officials,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.

Despite enforcement efforts, the officials allege that some residents are trying to continue the aquaculture activity by creating ‘zero-point’ tanks with a depth of four to five feet to bypass the regulatory restrictions.

The officials have warned that such structures also fall under illegal activity and may invite strict actions. “The villagers are making attempts to encroach upon the lands that were freed with great difficulty. The move will impact the environment and migratory birds,” adds another official.