The Vaddis are the dominating community in Kolleru's fishing villages. They have a tightly controlled form of self governance that ensures equitable distribution of income

When a straight cut was dug to quicken the discharge from Kolleru lake, a small island became the casualty.

Moves are afoot to convert the brackish Pulicat lake into a freshwater one to supply water to Madras city and authorities seem to have little regard for the ecological and environmental consequences.

Various schemes have been thought of to tackle Madras' water scarcity.

Lakes are being lost or altered because of the disruption of natural processes by intensification of agriculture, urbanisation, pollution and construction of dams. A look at the state of some Indian lakes today

A pristine lake that once drew birds of several species today lies clogged with weeds, a victim of unplanned economic development.