AP: Kolleru Lake would develop as tourism centre

Eluru (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 11: Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Major Industries Minister J Geetha Reddy has said the state government would develop the Lake Kolleru as a tourist centre.

Speaking in a meeting with officials of West Godavari District here, she said Kolleru is the largest fresh water lake in Asian region, but regretted that due to unauthorised fish ponds and fish breeding in lake area for over two decades, water had been polluted.

Ms Reddy said we should protect the ecological balance and the environment at any cost and lauded the efforts of the District Collector Lav Agarwal for the successful completion of operation Koleru.

Expressing happiness over the fulfillment of her desire to visit Kolleru Lake, the minister said with the development of eco- tourism in Kolleru, the local villagers would get employment.

She said the Government had announced a rehabilitation package of Rs 54 crore for the ouster of operation Kolleru. As part of eco-tourism development in Kolleru, the Government would sanction units under Rajeev Yuvashakthi, besides sanctioning loans to Self Help Groups (SHG) on an interest of 0.25 paise, she added.

The Minister said there was a demand for the Kolleru Lake fish in other states and the Government would develop the Kolleru fish brand and sought the cooperation of the villagers in this regard.

UNI