Villagers prevent forest officials from entering Paidichintapadu village in Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary on February 6. Photo credit: File Photo
New aquaculture tanks have reportedly been dug in parts of the Kolleru Lake area where illegal tanks were recently destroyed as part of a Supreme Court-ordered crackdown, raising fears of environmental violations in the internationally important wetland.
On February 6, local residents prevented the entry of a team of forest officials who had gone there to demolish illegal tanks in Paidichintapadu village.
Highly placed sources say that aquaculture operations have resumed on about 5,000 acres of land that was cleared a few months ago during the fight against encroachment. Aquaculture tanks have resumed operations in Kaikaluru, Unguturu and Eluru areas of Kolleru Lake, sources said.
According to sources, aquarium activity resumed on nearly 3,000 acres of land last week, followed by another 1,500 acres this week, indicating rapid expansion. Villages including Srungavarappadu, Gummallapadu, Pandiripalligudem, Kolletikota, Vadlakutitippa, Penchikalamarru and Nathagullapadu are said to be witnessing aquaculture operations over an estimated area of 3000 acres.
In Eluru Mandal, fish tanks are said to have re-emerged in villages like Prathikollalanka, Paidichintapadu, Komatilanka and Pedayaganamilli covering an area of around 900 acres. Specific places like Vadlakutitippa, Pattikollanka and Paidichintapadu have been identified as hotbeds of renewed activity, sources say.
According to forest officials, about 11,000 acres have been freed from illegal encroachment in Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary by 2025.
“Encouraged by the Paidichintapad incident, other villagers are also blocking the entry of the officials,” said the official on condition of anonymity.
Despite enforcement efforts, officials say some residents are trying to continue aquaculture operations by creating four- to five-foot-deep ‘zero-point’ tanks to circumvent regulatory restrictions.
Officials warned that such structures also fall under illegal activity and may require strict action. “Villagers are trying to encroach on the land that was liberated with great difficulty. This move will impact the environment and migratory birds,” adds another official.
Published – 20 Feb 2026 20:58 IST