Andhra Pradesh Faces 48% Rain Deficit; Naidu Urges Groundwater Recharge
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state has recorded a 48% deficit in rainfall this year due to extreme weather conditions. The shortfall has strained water resources, particularly in the Krishna delta region.
To mitigate the impact, the government diverted water from the Pattiseema project to the Prakasam Barrage, which faced inadequate inflows from upstream. According to the Chief Minister, approximately 450 thousand million cubic feet (TMCFT) of water has been transferred from Pattiseema so far, generating an estimated wealth of ₹50,000 crore. Naidu reiterated the government's commitment to link rivers from Vamsadhara to Penna and complete the Polavaram project on schedule.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while participating in the Swachha Andhra - Swarna Andhra programme in Gudivada, Krishna district, on Saturday. During the event, he laid the foundation for public health and municipal works worth ₹15,274 crore and released a coffee-table book on Operation Clean Sweep.
Naidu emphasized the need for adopting a net-zero lifestyle and carbon-neutral way of life, along with measures to harvest rainwater for recharging groundwater. He stated that cleanliness goes beyond sweeping roads, aiming to improve the environment and public health. The Chief Minister claimed that the state would become garbage-free by October 2, as areas previously filled with trash are being transformed into clean spaces.
He urged citizens to segregate waste at home and noted that essentials worth ₹16 crore have been distributed through Swachha Rathams during waste collection drives. On aquaculture, Naidu said he discussed rising shrimp and feed prices with the central government and promised to protect the industry. He highlighted that electricity is provided to the sector at ₹1.50 per unit and advised farmers to focus on traceability and certification to enhance production and quality.
