Vijayawada: The state government has approached the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), seeking approval to revise the boundaries of the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in line with recommendations made by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

In a formal communication, the state urged the Centre to implement the NBWL's 48th meeting recommendation to reduce the sanctuary's extent by around 20,000 acres. Officials said the move aims to address long-standing concerns linked to boundary demarcation.

The government told the CEC that local residents have been strongly opposing the current limits of the sanctuary. It warned that the situation is creating tensions on the ground and could lead to law and order issues if left unresolved. The proposal follows a resolution passed in the State Cabinet meeting on February 24, 2026, authorising officials to seek necessary clearances for boundary rationalisation.

The Kolleru Lake Management Authority has also backed the move in its meetings, advising the government to proceed with the NBWL recommendations.

In his letter, forest department principal secretary Kanthilal Dande requested the CEC to lift a stay on boundary changes that has been in place since 2018.

He also sought permission to move forward with subsequent administrative steps once the restriction is removed. The Kolleru sanctuary, a key wetland ecosystem, has long been at the centre of disputes between conservation priorities and local livelihood concerns.