Annamayya prepares action plan to address El Niño-induced drinking water shortages

The Annamayya district administration has prepared an action plan to address possible drinking water shortages and maximise storage of every available water source due to El Niño-induced dry conditions, tSpeaking to the media here on Tuesday, District Collector Nishant Kumar said that officials have been directed to complete advance arrangements to divert the next release of Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) water into tanks across the district. Channels, feeder canals and routes leading to tanks will have to be cleared and repaired to ensure that water is not lost in transit.The district has around 3,700 minor irrigation tanks, in addition to borewells, which officials have been told to use efficiently to improve groundwater recharge. Under the Jaladhara programme, nearly 430 water conservation works are being completed. Field-level inspections have been ordered to identify incomplete works and remove obstructions.The Collector said that, according to the action plan, officials were instructed to monitor drinking water schemes continuously, identify habitations facing inadequate supply, and keep alternative sources ready. “Coordinating departments are directed to work closely and conserve rainwater and the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanti project supplies to prevent future drinking water crises during the upcoming summer months,” Mr. Nishant Kumar said. Published - September 08, 2026 06:49 pm IST