El Niño Wrings Rayalaseema Dry: Andhra Pradesh Battens Down for Drought Crisis

Andhra Pradesh Rayalaseema region is reeling from a severe drought, with 11 districts experiencing moderate to severe rainfall deficit driven by the intensifying El Niño effect. On July 7, Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha convened an urgent review meeting in Tadepalli, pushing for immediate, proactive measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods as the crisis deepens. Districts like Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, and Annamayya are hit hardest, facing acute water scarcity and impacting crucial agricultural activities. The broader state is struggling with a deepening monsoon crisis, recording a staggering 60% rainfall deficit in June alone, significantly impacting the crucial Kharif sowing season, which has seen only 10% completion. This comes despite the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast for below-normal rainfall this year and an earlier state commitment through its Water Policy 2026-27 and 'Jaladhara' programme to enhance water security. Farmers in Rayalaseema are now urged to shift from water-intensive crops like paddy to drought-resilient alternatives such as millets and pulses to avert massive losses. Looking ahead, Minister Anitha has directed officials to activate 24/7 control rooms at state and district levels, prepare evacuation plans for low-lying areas, and ensure uninterrupted essential services like drinking water and electricity. With funds already released under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), the focus is squarely on disaster management preparedness. While recent reports suggest a nationwide monsoon comeback, reducing India's overall deficit, the ground reality in Andhra Pradesh remains precarious, with a strengthening El Niño projected to strain energy systems and agricultural output through 2027.