Winged visitors on increase in Kolleru fresh water lake

Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Dec 5 (UNI) After a long gap of two decades, the famous Kolleru fresh water lake has again become a nesting place for migratory birds from Siberia, Australia and Africa.

The whole area has been spruced up to welcome the winged guests.

As per Supreme Court directions encroachments that occupied 51 per cent of the lake area was removed to restore environment sanctity.

The lake, which spans over 900 sqkm, serves as an important habitat for several migratory birds. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 under Wildlife Act 1972.

The frequent migratory visitors included Asian Billed Storks, Painted Storks, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Teals, Pintails, Ahovellrs, Red Crested Pochards, Black Winged Stilts, Avocets, Common Red Shanks, Pigeons, Gadwalls, Cormorants, Garganys, Herons, Flamingos and Gray Pelicans.

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