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Naidu Orders Drought Assessment, Crop Protection and Water Measures

Andhra Pradesh is facing dry conditions in many areas.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked officials to find the drought-hit mandals by October 1.

An early check found drought in 513 mandals, including 268 with severe drought.

Officials will study rainfall, crops, groundwater, soil, satellite pictures, and reservoir levels.

They will also check how much farmers’ crops may have been damaged.

The government has set aside ₹190 crore to help protect horticultural crops.

Officials are concerned that El Niño and low rainfall could affect 17,916 hectares of crops.

Naidu also ordered officials to prevent drinking-water shortages, including by using tankers and improving water supplies near Visakhapatnam.

Key facts

Drought assessment deadline: Drought-hit mandals are to be identified by October 1.
Preliminary affected areas: 513 mandals across all 28 districts were assessed as facing drought conditions.
Severe drought: 268 mandals were identified in the preliminary assessment as facing severe drought.
Assessment indicators: Rainfall, crop coverage, groundwater levels, soil moisture, satellite imagery, and reservoir storage.
Horticulture allocation: ₹190 crore has been allocated to protect horticultural crops.
Crops at risk: An estimated 17,916 hectares of orange, sweet orange, mango, red chilli, onion, and vegetable crops could be affected.
Visakhapatnam water reserves: Officials said current reserves are sufficient for another two months.

deccanchronicle.com · 1 hr ago