Voice of Kolleru formed to protect rights of Kolleru-area residents
Residents and farmers around Kolleru Lake have formed the 'Voice of Kolleru' welfare society to protect their livelihoods against potential wetland regulation expansion. The group aims to coordinate with the government to ensure that demarcation efforts do not unfairly impact local agricultural and aquaculture activities.
Why it matters
The formation of this group underscores the tension between environmental conservation mandates and the economic survival of local communities dependent on land use.
Villagers, aquaculture and agriculture farmers residing around Kolleru Lake have formed Voice of Kolleru, a welfare society aimed at providing a platform for those affected by issues concerning the lake and protecting the rights of local people.
Lakhs of people, including aquaculture and agriculture farmers and traders, reside in areas around the lake in Eluru, Kaikaluru, Undi, Gudivada, Unguturu and Denduluru mandals.
Voice of Kolleru (Kolleru Volunteers Organisation for Inclusive Conservation and Empowerment) will conduct awareness meetings, seek the support of public representatives, study the legal aspects of demarcating wetland boundaries and coordinate with the State and the Union governments, said its president Ch. Sivaji Raju.
Farmers and local residents contend that Kolleru was spread over about 100 square miles, or 64,000 acres, and that areas outside the lake should not be brought under wetland regulations, said the organisation’s secretary, Gangadharam, in a statement on Saturday.
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