Lok Sabha Question No. 122 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Restoration of Pullicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 122

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## Restoration of Pullicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh

## 122. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any detailed study on the environmental impact of  recurring sandbar formation at the mouth of Pullicat Lake in the State of Andhra Pradesh and its  adverse effects on the lake's ecology and local livelihoods and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether a proposal for restoration was  submitted  over two years  ago and  if  so,  the current  status thereof; and
- (c) the reasons for the delay in grounding the project despite the urgency and environmental importance of protecting Pullicat Lake, a critical brackish water ecosystem?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) The Government of Andhra Pradesh has conducted a detailed scientific study through the Salim  Ali  Centre  for  ornithology  and  Natural  History  (SACON)  in  2019  to  assess  the environmental  implications  of  recurring  sandbar  formation  at  the  mouth  of  Pulicat  Lake, particularly at the Rayadoruvu inlet in Vakadu Mandal. The study concluded that the frequent closure of the sea mouth due to sandbar accumulation adversely affects the ecological stability of  Pulicat  Lake  by  disrupting  the natural  exchange  of sea  and freshwater,  leading  to  hyper salinity,  reduced  fish  diversity  and  degradation  of  critical  wetland  habitats.  These  changes impact the livelihoods of local fishing communities dependent on the lake. Based on these findings,  the  report  recommended scientifically  planned  dredging  operations  and  long-term catchment area management to restore hydrological balance, enhance biodiversity, and ensure sustainable livelihood opportunities for the dependent communities.

(b) & (c)  No proposal for restoration of Pulicat Lake has been received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

MoEF&CC is currently implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely, National Plan for  Conservation  of  Aquatic  Eco-systems  (NPCA)  for  conservation  and  management  of wetlands in the country on cost sharing basis between Central Government and respective State Governments.   An  Integrated  Management  Plan  (IMP)  for  Pulicat  Wetland  Complex  was received from the Government of Tamil Nadu at total cost of Rs. 355.00 lakhs for five year during March 2022. Since, the IMP was not submitted as per the guidelines of NPCA scheme, the Government of Tamil Nadu was advised to submit the proposal as per the said guidelines along  with  all  requisite  documents.  Further,  the  Ministry  vide  letter  dated  17.04.2023  has advised all the State Governments including Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to submit the IMPs of Ramsar sites and other important wetlands as per the guidelines of NPCA.

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