Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday flagged the possibility of a 39% deficit in rainfall this season compared to normal levels, with August alone likely to record a 56% deficit owing to the impact of El Niño.
Addressing a review meeting on Jaladhara Jala Harati, Mr. Naidu said the State normally received 867 mm of rainfall between June and December, but only 525 mm was expected to be recorded this season, according to current estimates.
He said the El Niño effect had also impacted reservoir storage levels, with the river basins in the State currently holding only 563.05 TMC ft of water, compared with 825.67 TMC ft during the corresponding period last year. Groundwater levels were also likely to decline further from this month, he said.
Mr. Naidu directed officials to ensure adequate storage of water for drinking purposes in Veligodu, Gorakallu, Owk, Jeedipally and Cherlopally reservoirs, among others. He also asked them to make necessary water allocations for drinking water requirements of various districts through the Nagarjuna Sagar canals.
Reviewing the situation in the agriculture sector, Mr. Naidu said floodwaters should be utilised efficiently, wherever possible, to protect crops. He also directed officials to ensure adequate water supply to industries even under conditions of reduced water availability.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that 79,826 of the 82,865 works identified under the Jaladhara scheme had been completed at a total estimated cost of ₹3,409.35 crore. The works included excavation of tanks, feeder channels, farm ponds and trenches.
Published – August 08, 2026 09:52 pm IST
