Andhra CM directs officials to make Jaladhara-Jalaharathi continuous programme

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to transform the Jaladhara-Jalaharathi program into a continuous effort aimed at preventing water scarcity, despite projections of rainfall being 39% below average due to the El Niño effect. During a video conference, Naidu emphasized the importance of water conservation, drinking water supply, and protecting standing crops, given the potential severity of the rainfall shortfall.

The program involves 82,865 works, of which 79,826 have been completed. Around ₹3,409.3 crore has been sanctioned for works including tank renovation, feeder channel upgrades, farm ponds, and trench excavation. Officials reported that rainfall for June to December is expected to be only 525 mm, representing a 56% deficit, and groundwater levels are projected to decline further from August. Water availability in state basins currently stands at 563.05 TMC, down from 825.6 TMC last year.

To mitigate the impact, Naidu directed officials to store water in reservoirs like Velugodu, Gorakallu, Owk, Jeedipalli, and Cherlopalli, and utilize Nagarjuna Sagar canals to allocate water to various districts. He stressed the need to utilize available water resources and groundwater efficiently, identify areas lacking adequate drinking water, and prepare for water shortages by keeping tankers on standby.

Naidu also emphasized the importance of crop protection, advising officials to allocate water according to crop needs and promote water-efficient crops. He directed officials to ensure industries receive necessary water supply even with declining availability and called for public awareness on water conservation measures. Additionally, the chief minister directed efforts to prevent fodder shortages for livestock, urging the establishment of Gokulams and district-level action plans to support livestock during the drought-like conditions.