The Andhra Pradesh Forest department on Tuesday (March 03) unveiled the official poster for a State-level photo contest and exhibition titled “Kolleru Avishkarana – Life and Nature in Frames” to mark the World Wildlife Day. The poster was formally released by retired IFS officer and Forest department Advisor Mallikharjuna Rao and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P. V. Chalapathi Rao. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the ecological importance and conservation of Kolleru Lake and the surrounding wetlands.The photo contest and exhibition are being jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Forest department, Gramadeep Charitable Trust, the Wildlife Division (Eluru Division), and WWF-Worldwide Fund for Nature, Hyderabad office.Entries for the competition must be submitted via email to contestkolleru@gmail.com on or before March 31, 2026. The contest features five themes: Kolleru–Livelihoods; Nature–Biodiversity; Environment–Pollution; Threats–Challenges; and Climate Change–Impacts.Students, youth, journalists, photographers, photojournalists, and members of the public are eligible to participate, with no age or regional restrictions. Organisers have encouraged participants to submit photographs that narrate compelling stories in a case study format, highlighting the significance of wetlands, reflecting environmental concerns, and promoting awareness about Kolleru conservation.Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates of appreciation, and consolation awards. Selected entries will be showcased at a major exhibition scheduled to be held in Vijayawada in April 2026.Among those present at the event were Gramadeep founder Manohari Velamati and Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajamahendravaram Circle, Srikant Nath Reddy.Organisers stated that the competition and exhibition would serve as an important platform to enhance public awareness about the protection and sustainable management of Kolleru Lake and its fragile wetland ecosystem.Published - March 03, 2026 04:57 pm IST