AP Government Writes to Centre Over Kolleru Issue

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has written to the Centre seeking changes to the boundaries of the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary. The state has requested a reduction of nearly 20,000 acres from the sanctuary’s limits and submitted a proposal to the Central Empowered Committee for rationalisation of the boundaries. The request also urges the implementation of recommendations made during the 48th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife Standing Committee.

In its letter, the state government highlighted strong opposition from local residents regarding the current boundary demarcation, citing potential law and order concerns. The proposal follows a resolution passed in the State Cabinet meeting held on February 24 this year, which decided to seek approval from the Central Empowered Committee. The Forest Department’s Special Chief Secretary, Kantilaal Dande, has also requested lifting the stay imposed since 2018 on boundary modifications to proceed with further action.