AMARAVATI:
The Andhra Pradesh government has declared 388 of the state’s 688 mandals across 21 districts drought-affected for the 2026 Kharif season following inadequate rainfall.
Of the affected mandals, 283 have been classified as severely drought-hit, while 105 have been categorised as moderately affected. The declaration covers a substantial portion of the state and is expected to trigger relief and support measures for affected farming communities.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said that better management and interlinking of the Godavari and Cauvery river systems could help address recurring water shortages in southern India.
The Opposition YSR Congress has questioned the timing of the government’s declaration and asked why the decision was delayed despite signs of rainfall deficiency.
The drought declaration comes at a critical stage for farmers dependent on the Kharif crop and is likely to intensify the debate over water management and irrigation in the state.