YSRCP leader criticises government’s response to El Nino crisis in Anantapur

YSRCP leader Anantha Venkatarami Reddy has harshly criticized the state government's handling of the El Nino crisis in Anantapur district. The former MLA alleged that the government had not implemented necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the drought, which he said was expected to subside by August but has instead turned into an 'unprecedented Super El Niño'.

According to Reddy, the undivided Anantapur district is set to face acute shortages of drinking water, irrigation water, and cattle fodder. The region, which has previously experienced severe droughts, is now facing a rainfall deficit of 45%, with crop cultivation limited to just 55% of the land. Reddy claimed that only 16 tmcft of water will be allocated from the Tungabhadra Dam this year, while the Srisailam reservoir currently holds 167 tmcft, yet authorities are failing to secure adequate water supplies for the Rayalaseema region.

He accused the ruling party officials of ignoring the crisis, with Telangana diverting water away from Anantapur. Reddy urged the district's public representatives to meet the Chief Minister and demand more water for the region.