Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed state officials to prioritise drinking water supply following a significant shortfall in reservoirs caused by deficient monsoon rainfall. During a review meeting, Naidu asked for a detailed action plan to optimally use water from reservoirs, irrigation tanks, and groundwater, and instructed officials to create a formal Water Movement Plan. He also held a teleconference with district collectors to assess preparedness for drinking water management and farming activities, as major reservoirs like Srisailam have recorded storage levels well below normal capacity.
The state government intends to give top priority to drinking water needs through at least mid-2027, reserving a larger share of available reservoir water for human consumption over irrigation or industrial use. Officials noted that some reservoirs could receive substantially less inflow than in a normal year, leading to increased reliance on water tanker deliveries in some rural and semi-urban areas. Agricultural officials are also monitoring the situation, as reduced irrigation water could impact upcoming crop planning.
Naidu’s administration has framed this response as a precautionary measure to prevent an acute shortage rather than a reaction to an existing crisis. District collectors have been asked to regularly report on ground-level water stock and distribution so supplies can be quickly redirected to areas facing the most severe shortfalls.