Politics · India Bureau
Andhra Pradesh to declare drought-hit mandals as El Niño impact spreads
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to formally declare drought-affected mandals from October 1, citing severe rainfall deficits linked to El Niño conditions. Preliminary assessments indicate widespread impact across over 500 mandals in the state.
LSN India ·
Chief Minister Naidu has instructed state officials to issue formal drought declarations for affected mandals beginning October 1, following a comprehensive scientific assessment of rainfall shortages across Andhra Pradesh. The directive comes as the state grapples with the cascading effects of El Niño weather patterns on agricultural productivity during the current season.
According to preliminary estimates for the 2026 Kharif season, El Niño conditions are expected to impact approximately 513 mandals across the state, with 268 mandals facing severe drought conditions. The widespread deficit rainfall has prompted heightened concerns about crop viability and water security across agricultural regions.
Addressing the emerging crisis, Naidu emphasised the need for scientific evaluation of drought conditions to ensure targeted relief measures and resource allocation. He has advocated for expanded micro-irrigation infrastructure as a critical tool to protect crops from moisture stress and enhance agricultural resilience in drought-prone areas.
The Chief Minister has also prioritised water security, instructing officials to ensure that no part of the state experiences drinking water shortages despite the drought conditions. The multi-pronged approach combines immediate drought declarations with long-term infrastructure investments and supply-side interventions to safeguard both agricultural output and essential services.