Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh to Declare Drought-Hit Mandals on October 1
Andhra Pradesh is experiencing low rainfall and dry conditions.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked officials to scientifically check which areas are affected.
An early assessment found drought conditions in 513 mandals across all 28 districts.
Of these, 268 were classified as severely affected and 245 as moderately affected.
Officials will study rainfall, crops, groundwater, soil moisture, satellite images, and reservoir levels.
They will also calculate how much farmers’ crops and harvests may have been damaged.
The government has set aside ₹190 crore to protect horticultural crops, while 17,916 hectares may be affected by El Niño and low rainfall.
Officials were told to use micro-irrigation and natural farming to save water.
Naidu also ordered tankers and faster water projects to prevent shortages, particularly in Visakhapatnam.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered a scientific drought assessment and declaration of affected mandals by October 1.
A preliminary assessment found drought conditions in 513 mandals across all 28 districts, including 268 severely affected and 245 moderately affected.
Collectors must submit drought proposals by September 24 for state-level review on September 29.
The government allocated ₹190 crore to protect horticultural crops, with 17,916 hectares considered at risk from El Niño and deficient rainfall.
Naidu ordered tanker supplies and accelerated reservoir and pipeline works to prevent drinking-water shortages, especially in Visakhapatnam.
- Who
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, state officials, district collectors, and Agriculture Department teams.
- What
- Andhra Pradesh is assessing drought conditions, crop losses, horticultural risks, and drinking-water availability before declaring drought-hit mandals.
- When
- Drought proposals are due by September 24, a state-level committee will review them on September 29, and the declaration is scheduled for October 1.
- Where
- Across Andhra Pradesh’s 28 districts, with specific emergency water measures planned for Visakhapatnam.
- Why
- To identify drought-affected areas, limit crop losses, protect horticulture, and prevent drinking-water shortages amid deficient rainfall and El Niño conditions.
- Preliminary drought assessment
- 513 mandals across all 28 districts were identified as facing drought conditions.
- Severity classification
- 268 mandals were classified as severely affected and 245 as moderately affected.
- Assessment deadline
- The government plans to declare drought-hit mandals on October 1.
- Assessment factors
- Officials are using rainfall, crop coverage, groundwater, 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, acid lime, mango, red chilli, onion, and vegetable crops could be affected.
- Visakhapatnam water supply
- Officials said current water reserves are sufficient for about two months.