Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Rayalaseema Faces Severe Water Crisis
The Rayalaseema region in India is facing a serious water crisis.
The reservoirs that supply water for farming and drinking are very low.
This is because there has not been enough rain, partly due to a weather pattern called El Niño.
Farmers are having a hard time growing crops like rice, groundnuts, and cotton because there isn't enough water.
The government is advising farmers to grow crops that need less water.
The situation is making life difficult for farmers and is raising concerns about food production in the area.
Water levels in key irrigation projects in Rayalaseema have dropped sharply.
Near-normal rainfall in June was followed by a dry July, impacting irrigation and drinking water.
Major projects like Tungabhadra and Srisailam are at critical levels, with reservoirs nearing dead storage.
Cultivated area for water-intensive crops has drastically fallen due to water scarcity.
Farmers are advised to shift to dry crops as water availability for irrigation is uncertain.
- Who
- Farmers and irrigation officials in Rayalaseema
- What
- Severe water crisis impacting agriculture
- When
- July, with near-normal rainfall in June
- Where
- Rayalaseema region, including Kadapa, Nandyal, and Kurnool districts
- Why
- El Niño impact leading to poor rainfall and low reservoir levels
Farmers' Perspective
Government's Perspective
Crop Cultivation
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers are unable to cultivate due to lack of water, leading to economic losses.
Government's Perspective
Government advises shifting to dry crops to mitigate the water crisis.
Water Availability
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers feel there is no assurance of water for irrigation.
Government's Perspective
Government states that water is available for drinking but not for irrigation.
- Srisailam Reservoir Capacity
- 215.8 TMC
- Current Storage in Srisailam
- 41.39 TMC
- Normal Cultivation Area in Kadapa
- 76,000 hectares
- Current Cultivation Area in Kadapa
- 8,000 hectares
- Normal Paddy Cultivation in Nandyal
- 80,000 acres
- Current Paddy Cultivation in Nandyal
- 22,000 acres
- Normal Groundnut Cultivation in Kadapa
- 4,500 acres
- Current Groundnut Cultivation in Kadapa
- 955 hectares