Rain harvesting brings parched tanks back to life in Annamayya district
Three days of modest rain have brought fresh inflows into tanks across Annamayya district, where rainfall is 57% below normal. Officials say restored feeder channels, supply canals and stream linkages under the Jaladhara programme are helping direct rainwater to water bodies and improve prospects for groundwater recharge
Since mid-May this year, farmers in Annamayya district have faced little hope due to the southwest monsoon's failure. However, a series of three days of rain, though not heavy, have caused water to flow into previously dry tanks. The district had been expected to receive 353 mm of rainfall by mid-September, but only received 149 mm, a 57.7% deficit.
Groundwater levels have dropped, borewells have gone dry, and many tanks and check-dams appeared deserted. The explanation for the sudden inflows lies in clearing feeder channels, desilting supply canals, and reviving old stream linkages under the Jaladhara water conservation programme carried out since March. When the recent rain fell, the water found its right path through these channels.
In Somala mandal, rainwater flowed into Mallepalle tank and Venkatappa Cheruvu. In Piler, Amma Cheruvu and Thopukunta received fresh inflows. Similar developments have been reported in other mandals, with feeder channels being restored and channels linking water bodies starting to carry water. District Collector Nishant Kumar praised the Jaladhara programme, which aims to capture and divert every drop of rainwater to the nearest water body.
He believes that if the current spell continues, it could be a game-changer, improving storage, recharging groundwater, and easing drinking water stress in villages.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
