CM Naidu seeks Central aid to mitigate drought in Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu requested assistance for agricultural losses and water shortages following a visit by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Central Government on Wednesday to provide assistance to Andhra Pradesh to address agricultural losses and hardships caused by severe drought. According to The New Indian Express, the request came after the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) met the Chief Minister to discuss their assessment of the situation.
The IMCT members toured Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, and Sri Sathya Sai districts on November 2 and 3. Naidu stated that while coastal Andhra Pradesh faces cyclone challenges, Rayalaseema and other regions are dealing with severe drought due to deficient rainfall and El Nino.
The Chief Minister noted that Anantapur district recorded the second-lowest rainfall in the country. He informed the team that the state has declared 388 mandals across 21 districts as drought-affected areas.
Naidu highlighted that below-normal rainfall has caused severe damage to Kharif crops and led to shortages of irrigation water, drinking water, and fodder. He also mentioned that declining groundwater levels have made drilling additional borewells unsuccessful in several areas.
The Chief Minister sought cooperation in rescheduling agricultural loans and requested support for expanding the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). He also called for effective water management, including the development and interlinking of water resources in rural areas.
The state government is currently taking steps to provide crop insurance compensation to farmers. Naidu said a detailed report on the drought situation will be submitted to the Centre within a week.