Annamayya readies blueprint to tackle El Niño-linked water scarcity
Annamayya district has an action plan to prevent drinking water shortages, focusing on tank storage, groundwater recharge and scheme monitoring.
With forecasts pointing to dry conditions linked to El Niño, the Annamayya district administration has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to safeguard drinking water supplies through the coming summer months.
District Collector Nishant Kumar said on Tuesday that officials have been directed to complete preparatory work ahead of the next release of water from the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project. The focus is on ensuring that feeder canals and routes leading to the district's tanks are cleared and repaired so that no water is wasted during transit.
The district has nearly 3,700 minor irrigation tanks, besides borewells. Officials have been told to use these sources efficiently to boost groundwater recharge. Under the Jaladhara programme, around 430 water conservation works are nearing completion. Field inspections have been ordered to identify incomplete projects and remove any obstructions.
As part of the action plan, officials are to continuously monitor drinking water schemes, identify habitations facing inadequate supply, and keep alternative sources ready. The Collector stressed that coordinating departments must work closely to conserve rainwater and HNSS supplies, aiming to prevent a drinking water crisis in the months ahead.