Evolving pro-people administrative culture: a case of Kolleru lake eco-restoration

Here is a case study of excellence in public service that was displayed in clearing off all encroachments of the Kolleru fresh water lake. Comparable to famous lakes: Dal, Chilika and Samba, the Kolleru lake is a kind of lagoon. Over a period of time the lake was illegally occupied by the new entrepreneurs of the area for aquaculture and pisciculture. Although earning in crores, the entrepreneurs gave back nothing to the people living in that area. The civil society groups and media brought pressure on the government to clear off the Kolleru bed of illegal operations. The Government of Andhra Pradesh posted one of the competent officers as Collector of West Godavari district. The judiciary supported executive for eco-restoration. The media too contributed its best. The civil society groups strengthened the district administration. This rare convergence of executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society and media was made possible by public service's untiring efforts at restoration of Kolleru lake. What follows is a review of the case.