The Kondakarla Ava wetland, situated in the Atchutapuram and Munagapaka mandals of the Anakapalle district, has long been striving to achieve the status of a conservation reserve. This freshwater wetland, the second largest in Andhra Pradesh, is a sanctuary for a variety of waterfowl and migratory birds, enhancing its distinct allure. In August 2022, district forest officer Ananth Shankar took steps towards designating Kondakarla Ava as either a conservation reserve or a community conservation reserve. Due to its oversight by the state irrigation department, the necessary No Objection Certificate was obtained from the former principal secretary, yet it has not officially become a conservation reserve to date.
Ananth Shankar, the DFO of Vizag, emphasized to Deccan Chronicle that designating Kondakarla Ava as a community conservation reserve would be advantageous for Andhra Pradesh, which currently lacks such reserves, especially considering it is the state’s second-largest wetland. All essential documentation has been submitted to the forest department, and the proposal is presently being reviewed by the principal chief conservator of forests, the head of forest forces (HoFF), and the director general of forests.
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