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Situated in Andhra Pradesh, it is the largest fresh water lake of India. It is located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in the Krishna and Godavari districts. The lake serves as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for the two rivers. The lake was an important habitat for an estimated 20 million residents and migratory birds Grey or Spot-billed pelicans. Rich in flora and fauna, it attracts birds from Siberia and eastern Europe between the months of October and March.
The lake was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1999 under India’s Wild Life Protection Act. It was declared a wetland of international importance in 2002 under Ramsar convention. Increasing pollution has reduced the bio-diversity in the lake.