Andhra Pradesh Orders Collectors to Prioritise Drinking Water as El Nino Drought Looms

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad has directed District Collectors to take advance measures to tackle potential El Nino-induced drought conditions, ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, and protect agricultural crops. He warned of stringent action against those diverting or stealing drinking water.

Reviewing the situation at the Secretariat on Friday, Mr. Prasad instructed the Collectors to accord priority to drinking water requirements in both urban and rural areas over the next six months. “Water meant for public consumption should not be diverted to non-drinking purposes, including fish and shrimp ponds,” he said, directing the immediate arrest of those involved in drinking water theft.

The State has recorded a 38.9% rainfall deficit as of October 8 and declared 388 mandals across 21 districts as drought-affected. The Chief Secretary directed officials to complete crop damage assessments by October 17 and ensure timely government assistance to farmers.

He called for promoting alternative crops, distributing seeds, encouraging natural farming and inter-cropping, and expediting field verification of satellite-based crop health alerts. Measures to protect horticultural crops should include micro-irrigation, farm ponds, organic mulching, and emergency water supply, wherever necessary, he said. Natural farming and inter-cropping can improve soil moisture retention, while micro-irrigation ensures efficient water use. Satellite-based alerts help in early detection of crop stress, allowing timely intervention.

To prevent drinking water shortages, Collectors were asked to identify alternative water sources, arrange tanker supplies where required, repair borewells, conserve existing resources, and prevent leakages. They should prepare comprehensive plans for the summer of 2027, promote water conservation, and regularly review district-level requirements. The Chief Secretary emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to water management, involving all relevant departments.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar said special summer action plans had been prepared for 23 urban local bodies. He stressed public awareness campaigns against water wastage and instructed officials to prevent complaints about drinking water shortages during the coming six months. He also noted that urban local bodies are being equipped to handle any emergency water crisis.

Special Chief Secretary for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Kantilal Dande said El Nino had affected 514 mandals across the State, with tanker supply proposals prepared for mandals facing acute drinking water shortages. He added that rural water supply schemes are being reviewed to ensure they are functioning optimally.

Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar and Panchayat Raj Commissioner M. Krishna Teja were present at the review meeting.

The State government's proactive measures come in the wake of forecasts indicating a possible El Nino effect, which can lead to deficient rainfall and prolonged dry spells. By prioritising drinking water and crop protection, the administration aims to mitigate the impact on both residents and farmers. The directives also underline the importance of water conservation and efficient management of scarce resources.