Collectors told to prioritise drinking water supply amid El Nino concerns

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad has directed the District Collectors to take advance measures to tackle El Nino-induced drought conditions, ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, and protect agricultural crops, warning 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 the drinking water requirements in the 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 had recorded 38.9% rainfall deficit as of October 8 and declared 388 mandals across 21 districts as drought-affected. The Chief Secretary directed the officials to complete crop damage assessments by October 17 and ensure timely government assistance to the farmers.

‘Protect crops’

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.

To prevent drinking water shortages, the Collectors were asked to identify alternative water sources, arrange tanker supplies where required, repair borewells, conserve existing resources and prevent leakages. The Collectors should prepare comprehensive plans for the summer of 2027, promote water conservation and regularly review district-level requirements.

Summer action plans

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.

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.

Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar and Panchayat Raj Commissioner M. Krishna Teja were present.