Amaravati, Apr 5 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will formally launch the 100-day special action plan for water conservation from Tadipatri constituency in Anantapur district on Monday.
Emphasising that water security is crucial for overall development, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to making the state drought-free and has set targets to ensure groundwater availability within six metres before summer and improve it to within three metres after the monsoon.
During a teleconference with irrigation officials and water users’ associations, Naidu said the ‘Water Security Responsibility Programme’ will be implemented across the state from April 6.
He directed departments including irrigation, agriculture, panchayati raj, forest and animal husbandry to work in coordination for effective implementation of water conservation initiatives.
The Chief Minister said a 100-day action plan has been prepared focusing on water conservation and resource protection, with irrigation associations playing a key role in execution.
The four-phase plan from April 6 to July 14 includes identification of works (April 6–15), administrative approvals (April 16–20), execution (April 21–July 9), and submission of completion reports (July 10–14).
Stating that water security is a collective responsibility, he called for transforming it into a people’s movement with active participation from citizens, farmers, irrigation associations and gram panchayats.
A total of 5,697 villages have been identified as groundwater-stressed areas, and the government aims to improve groundwater levels by at least 1.5 metres by filling tanks and enhancing storage capacity.
Naidu also directed the use of satellite imagery and hydrological mapping for scientific planning and interlinking of water bodies, and asked irrigation associations to prepare water budgets and conduct water audits.
Drawing inspiration from the Project Jaladhara initiative implemented in Annamayya district, he stressed on connecting streams and rivulets to maximise water retention and prevent flooding.
TNT KM
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