YSRCP leader slams Andhra government over El Nino crisis in Anantapur

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Anantapur district president and former MLA Anantha Venkatarami Reddy has accused the Andhra Pradesh government of failing to implement alternate measures to mitigate the impact of El Nino. He claimed that while scientists now say the current 'Super El Nino' will persist all year, the government had assumed its effect would subside by August.

Reddy said the undivided Anantapur district faces acute shortages of drinking water, irrigation water and cattle fodder. He stated that Anantapur recorded a 45% rainfall deficit this Kharif season, with crop cultivation limited to 55% of the land, while neighbouring Sri Sathya Sai district recorded a 53% deficit and cultivation on only 45% of land.

He alleged that of the expected 27 tmcft of water from the Tungabhadra Dam, only 16 tmcft will be allocated this year. He warned that Srisailam reservoir, currently holding 167 tmcft, could run dry in 10 days if the situation persists, and called on public representatives to meet the Chief Minister to demand more water for Rayalaseema.