Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to complete all ongoing Jaldhara works by the end of June and adopt innovative measures to strengthen water security.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to complete all ongoing works under the Jaldhara–Jalaharathi programme by the end of June, stressing the need to accelerate efforts aimed at improving water conservation and groundwater recharge across Andhra Pradesh.
Reviewing the programme's progress through a video conference from the Chief Minister's Camp Office on Saturday, Chandrababu instructed officials to accord top priority to the restoration and development of chain-linked tanks. He emphasized optimum utilization of funds available under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and warned against any delays or lapses in fund utilization.
The Chief Minister asked district collectors to identify and implement projects that connect water-surplus basins with water-deficit regions to ensure equitable water availability. He also directed officials to expedite the restoration and development of check dams, farm ponds, percolation pits and contour trenches under the Jaldhara initiative.
Highlighting the importance of innovation, Chandrababu suggested that officials study the successful Valmikipuram Vagu Development Model and replicate it wherever feasible. He urged every district administration to develop innovative strategies to strengthen long-term water security.
The Chief Minister further instructed officials to ensure that all water conservation structures created during the first phase of Jaldhara remain structurally sound and free from breaches. He called for the removal of obstructions in canals and embankments to facilitate smooth water flow and prevent flooding and drainage issues.
To assess the programme's impact, Chandrababu directed the Irrigation Department and AWARE to periodically document the benefits generated through Jaldhara and prepare district-wise estimates on groundwater recharge and ecosystem restoration.
Stressing the importance of people's participation, the Chief Minister said farmers, local residents and water user associations should be actively involved in the programme. He urged elected representatives and officials to lead efforts in mobilizing community participation to ensure the initiative's long-term success.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, district collectors and senior officials participated in the review meeting.
