AP CM launches 100-day water conservation plan
Seeks steps to make it a people's movement | The four-phase action plan from April 6 to July 14
AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at a photo exhibition before launching a 100-day water conservation campaign at Tadipatri in Anantapur district on Monday
Tadipatri (Anantapur dist): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday rolled out a 100-day water conservation campaign with the name Jala Responsibility of Irrigation Societies focusing on strengthening water infrastructure and enhancing groundwater table.
Speaking at a meeting at Yadiki in Tadipatri constituency in Anantapur district, Naidu called for water conservation as a people's movement.
The four-phase action plan from April 6 to July 14 includes April 6–15: Identification of works, April 16–20: Administrative approvals, April 21–July 9: Execution of works, July 10–14: Submission of completion reports.
The Chief Minister stated that water security is a collective responsibility and underlined the need 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. The government aims to improve groundwater levels by at least 1.5 meters by filling all tanks and enhancing storage capacity.
The Chief Minister earlier directed officials to extensively use satellite imagery and hydrological mapping for scientific planning and interlinking of water bodies. Irrigation associations are tasked with preparing water budgets and conducting water audits. Drawing inspiration from the Project Jaladhara initiative implemented in Annamayya district, he called for connecting streams, rivulets, and other water sources to maximise water retention and prevent flooding.
Implementation and monitoring.
The campaign aims to increase groundwater by six meters so as to provide water security. The action plan spanning till July 14 harps on better irrigation management, drought-proofing in arid areas like Tadipatri. The campaign fixes the responsibility of maintaining water bodies and canals to local societies towards achieving safe drinking water for all households by 2028.
Naidu declared that he doesn't care if the income decreases due to implementation of the free sand policy. He warned that strict action will be taken if anyone obstructs the tractors while taking sand. The Chief Minister also said the performance of the officials is also being studied periodically and said rating is required for everyone.
In an oblique reference to YSRCP, he said people belonging to a particular party are trying to stall investment flow into the State by indulging in a misinformation campaign.
