Why is it in News?
→ Kolleru Lake is gaining recognition for its black dried fish in domestic and international markets.
→ The development highlights the lake’s biodiversity-linked livelihood potential.
Important Points
- One of the largest freshwater lakes in India
- Located in Andhra Pradesh
- Situated in the inter-deltaic plain of Krishna and Godavari rivers
- Near the city of Eluru
- Acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir
- Area spreads about 308 sq. km; expands up to 954 sq. km during floods
- Shallow freshwater lake
- Fed by Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru, Errakalva rivers and 18 drains
- Drains into Bay of Bengal through Upputera outlet
- Declared wildlife sanctuary in November 1999
- Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since November 2002
- Supports over 20 million migratory birds annually
- Migratory birds include grey pelicans, painted storks, open-billed storks
- Known as “Peerless Fisherman’s Paradise and Bird Heaven”
- Supports livelihoods via fishing, duck farming, and paddy cultivation