Kolleru Area Downsizing - Not only Pelicans, Even Eluru & Vijayawada may be at Risk

 The recent floods caused by "Cyclone Nilam" in the various drains– Budameru, Tammileru etc.- that empty into Kolleru Lake, have caused the water to rise up and cross the +8 feet contour. This has resulted in flooding of several colonies along the banks of Budameru in Vijayawada City, for several days.

 

Dr.Azeez Committee Report

 

 Dr. Aziz Committee clearly stated that every few years, the lake spreads over +7 feet contour and on an average once in eight years the lake fills to above +9 feet contour, holding up to 1222 million cubic meters of water in contrast to the storage of about mere 150 and 300 million cubic meters at +3 and +5 contours respectively.

 

 It is also stated that if Kolleru Lake is resized by reducing its effective functional area, inflow during rains would spread far wider and away into upstream areas, submerging bed and belt villages and at times the towns of Eluru, Gudivada and Vijayawada. The elevated water will remain for a longer period, as it is to be drained by only one outlet, the Upputeru, that is now ill equipped to carry all the waters.

 

Appeal

 

 In the light of the position explained above and the urgency & importance of the matter, MOEF, GOI and AP State Govt are  requested for early implementation of the recommendations of Dr. Azeez Committee, which were accepted in Toto by the Standing Committee of NBWL, without any further delay.

____________________________________________________________