Annamayya district launches 100-day ‘Jaladhara-Jalaharathi’ mission

The Annamayya district administration on Monday (April 6, 2026) launched an ambitious 100-day mission, “Jaladhara–Jalaharathi,” aimed at enhancing water conservation and irrigation infrastructure across the region, which is known for perennial drought conditions during the summer months.

District Collector Nishant Kumar launched the mission at the Reddivaripalli chain tank in Chinnamandem mandal. The initiative will run until July 14, focusing on restoring minor irrigation tanks, desilting water bodies, and clearing feeder channels.

The mission is modelled on a high-speed mode to address the district’s long-standing dependence on tanker water supply during peak summer months.

Irrigation Department officials observed that the absence of major irrigation projects in the region has left vast stretches vulnerable, with nearly 40%–50% of agricultural land remaining uncultivated during the kharif season in drought-prone years. By rejuvenating small tanks and converting them into effective storage reservoirs, it is expected to improve groundwater recharge and sustainable water availability.

The officials informed the Collector that early outcomes from similar efforts proved promising, with the groundwater table being satisfactory in several parts of the district, while horticulture acreage expanded phenomenally, followed by easing out of the drinking water problem in several habitations. The initiative will also leverage employment guarantee schemes to ground large-scale restoration works, creating rural employment alongside asset creation.

Speaking to the media, the Collector said that the mission would place strong emphasis on community participation, with irrigation associations, farmers, and local stakeholders expected to identify priority works and ensure timely execution at the village level. “Water conservation remains the district’s most critical challenge and requires collective action. All stakeholders should treat the mission as a shared responsibility, with sustained efforts over the next 100 days. It could transform the district’s water landscape and secure long-term benefits for agriculture and drinking water supply,” he said.