Take Up ‘Jaladhara–Jalaharathi’ as a Challenge: CM Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to treat the prestigious ‘Jaladhara–Jalaharathi’ programme as a challenge and implement it with maximum efficiency, with a focus on water resource conservation in the state. He emphasised that the 100-day special action plan should serve as a roadmap to enhance groundwater levels and strengthen irrigation infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh.

Keeping the upcoming monsoon in view, the Chief Minister instructed that repairs of canals and tanks across the state be completed on a war footing . “ Even if heavy rains occur, our plans should ensure that not a single drop of water is wasted and is properly stored. Measures must be taken in advance to prevent water stagnation and inconvenience to people anywhere ,” he said. He reiterated that the government’s goal is for every tank in the state to be filled with water by the end of the rainy season.

The Chief Minister noted that the role of mandal nodal officers is crucial for the successful implementation of the programme at the grassroots level. He directed continuous monitoring of works in both rural and urban mandals . He also announced the appointment of Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar as the state-level nodal officer for the ‘Jaladhara–Jalaharathi’ programme, expressing hope that the district would emerge as a model in water conservation .

Naidu instructed officials to give special focus to drainage system repairs in West Godavari district , ensuring there are no obstructions to water flow. He explained that an increase in groundwater levels would reduce dependence on motors for irrigation, thereby leading to power savings . He also directed the preparation of a special action plan to ensure year-round water availability in temple tanks (pushkarinis) across the state.

Calling for broader participation, the Chief Minister urged that not only the government machinery , but also farmers and the general public , should be made partners in the programme. He stressed the need for regular reviews and maintaining transparency regarding the benefits of the works undertaken. Naidu stated that the 100-day special initiative launched in April 2026 aims to transform Andhra Pradesh into a water-rich state .