Godavari Inflows Hit 70-Year Low as Super El Niño Grips Andhra

Andhra Pradesh is facing an unprecedented irrigation challenge after water inflows into the Godavari River plunged to their lowest level in nearly seven decades, raising fresh concerns over Kharif cultivation and water security across the state's fertile delta region. The sharp decline has been linked to the impact of the global Super El Niño, which has weakened the southwest monsoon and significantly reduced rainfall.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Water Resources Minister N. Ramanaidu said the Godavari, which usually records 1 lakh to 2 lakh cusecs of inflow during July, is currently receiving only 15,000 to 20,000 cusecs. He termed the situation unprecedented and warned that the unusually low river flow has created immense pressure on irrigation management.

The minister noted that under normal conditions, nearly 3,000 TMC of Godavari water flows into the sea annually. This year, however, reduced rainfall has drastically curtailed water availability. He also referred to figures released earlier by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, which showed that Andhra Pradesh has recorded a 49% rainfall deficit so far this monsoon season.

To prevent water shortages in the Godavari Delta, where nearly 10.17 lakh acres depend on canal irrigation, the government has started diverting water from the Sileru system. The move is considered exceptional, as Sileru water is typically reserved for the Rabi season during March and April. Despite the difficult conditions, the state is currently releasing 14,800 cusecs to sustain agricultural operations in the delta.

Ramanaidu acknowledged that supplying water to tail-end ayacut areas remains a challenge. He explained that the Godavari and Krishna Delta irrigation systems were designed on the assumption that 70% of irrigation requirements would be met through canals and the remaining 30% through rainfall. With monsoon rains failing to meet expectations, both delta systems are now relying almost entirely on canal water.

The government has accelerated desilting, canal repairs and maintenance works to improve water distribution. While irrigation may remain difficult in nearly 10% of higher-elevation farmland, the minister expressed confidence that adequate water would reach the remaining 90% of cultivated areas for the ongoing Kharif season. He added that district collectors, revenue officials and the Water Resources Department are working in coordination to ensure efficient water management.

Climate experts say El Niño episodes often weaken India's monsoon by disrupting atmospheric circulation over the Pacific Ocean, resulting in lower rainfall, depleted reservoir levels and reduced river inflows. With rainfall remaining below normal across several parts of Andhra Pradesh, officials believe the coming weeks will be crucial for improving reservoir storage and protecting the state's agricultural output.