El Nino may cause 39% rainfall deficit in Andhra Pradesh, warns CM Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has flagged the possibility of a 39% deficit in rainfall in Andhra Pradesh this season compared to normal levels, attributing it to the El Niño effect. Addressing a review meeting on the Jaladhara Jala Harati scheme on Saturday, he said the State may receive significantly less rainfall than usual, with August alone likely to record a 56% deficit.

According to the Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh normally receives 867 mm of rainfall between June and December. However, current estimates suggest that the State may receive only 525 mm this season. The El Niño phenomenon, which involves warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is known to weaken the Indian monsoon, leading to uneven and below-normal rainfall in many parts of the country.

Mr. Naidu also highlighted the impact of the expected deficit on water reservoirs. He noted that river basins in the State are currently holding only 563.05 TMC ft of water, compared to 825.67 TMC ft during the corresponding period last year. Groundwater levels, he added, are likely to decline further from this month, exacerbating the water stress situation.

In response to the anticipated shortfall, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure adequate storage of drinking water in key reservoirs, including Veligodu, Gorakallu, Owk, Jeedipally and Cherlopally. He also instructed them to make necessary water allocations for drinking water requirements of various districts through the Nagarjuna Sagar canals, which are vital for meeting domestic and agricultural needs.

Reviewing the agriculture sector, Mr. Naidu said floodwaters should be utilised efficiently, wherever possible, to protect standing crops. He also stressed the need to ensure adequate water supply to industries even under conditions of reduced water availability, indicating the government's priority on balancing competing demands.

During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that 79,826 of the 82,865 works identified under the Jaladhara Jala Harati scheme have been completed at a total estimated cost of ₹3,409.35 crore. The works include excavation of tanks, feeder channels, farm ponds and trenches, which are aimed at improving water conservation and groundwater recharge across the State.

The projected rainfall deficit comes at a time when the State is already facing water stress in several districts. The government's focus on completing water-related infrastructure and managing existing reservoirs is expected to mitigate some of the adverse effects, though the full impact will depend on the actual monsoon performance in the coming months.