Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu promises to address drinking water needs of Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to scientifically assess the deficit rainfall situation in the state and declare drought-affected mandals on October 1. In a review meeting on Saturday, Naidu emphasized the need to inform the Union government about the month-wise impact of El Nino and highlighted that ₹190 crore had been allocated for horticulture crop protection.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that identifying drought-affected mandals was underway, using data from six departments, including rainfall, crop cultivation, groundwater levels, soil moisture, and reservoir storage. Preliminary estimates indicated that 513 mandals were affected by El Nino, with 268 in severe conditions and 245 in moderate conditions.

Field inspections were conducted by agriculture and other departments under the guidance of District Collectors, who would submit proposals to the Revenue and Disaster Management Departments by September 24. Crops under 1,357 Rythu Bharosa Kendras in 21 districts were identified as high-risk due to El Nino, impacting orange, sweet lime, mango, red chilli, onion, and vegetable production on 17,916 hectares.

Naidu directed officials to prioritize micro-irrigation to conserve water and ensure farmers received four key services through Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance. He also stressed the need to prevent drinking water shortages and supply water through tankers in areas reliant on borewells, particularly in Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister ordered the acceleration of pipeline works to supply water to Meghadrigedda from the Polavaram Left Main Canal, as sufficient reserves were available to last two months.