This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's response to a parliamentary question regarding the restoration of Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh.
A study conducted by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in 2019, commissioned by the Andhra Pradesh government, investigated the environmental impact of recurring sandbar formation at the mouth of Pulicat Lake, specifically the Rayadoruvu inlet. The study concluded that sandbar formation disrupts the natural exchange of sea and freshwater, leading to hyper-salinity, reduced fish diversity, and degradation of wetland habitats, negatively impacting local fishing communities. The report recommended dredging operations and catchment area management.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) states that no specific restoration proposal for Pulicat Lake has been received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh. However, the MoEFCC is implementing the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), a centrally sponsored scheme for wetland conservation managed on a cost-sharing basis with state governments.
An Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Pulicat Wetland Complex was received from the Government of Tamil Nadu in March 2022, with a total cost of Rs. 355.00 lakhs for five years. Because the IMP was not in accordance with the NPCA guidelines it was sent back to the Government of Tamil Nadu for resubmission in the correct format. Furthermore, the Ministry advised all State Governments, including Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, on April 17, 2023, to submit IMPs for Ramsar sites and other important wetlands according to NPCA guidelines.
Key Entities Referenced
Pullicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh: A brackish water ecosystem in the State of Andhra Pradesh, facing environmental challenges due to sandbar formation.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The Indian government ministry responsible for environmental and climate change policies.
SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY: A member of Lok Sabha who raised a question regarding the restoration of Pullicat Lake.
SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH: Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who provided the answer to the question.
Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON): An organization that conducted a study on the environmental impact of sandbar formation at Pulicat Lake.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): A centrally sponsored scheme for the conservation and management of wetlands in India.
Pulicat Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu: A wetland complex for which an Integrated Management Plan was submitted by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Ramsar sites: Wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.
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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