‘Project Jaladhara’ boosts water conservation in Annamayya district

Annamayya district, once among the most water-stressed regions of Andhra Pradesh, has recorded a significant improvement in water security following the implementation of the district administration’s ‘Project Jaladhara.’

According to official data, the district has moved from 25th to 2nd position in groundwater status in the State. Between May and December 2025, groundwater levels rose by 8.7 metres, compared with the Rayalaseema regional average of 3.6 metres. Surface water storage also showed a sharp increase, rising from 13.15 TMC to 48.86 TMC during the same period.

District Collector Nishant Kumar told the media that Project Jaladhara, implemented in line with the water management vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, focuses on the restoration and interlinking of existing tanks, feeder channels and traditional watercourses.

He said the initiative did not involve the construction of new irrigation projects but relied on reviving defunct infrastructure and linking surplus and deficit sub-basins. Nearly 90% of the district has benefited, with several tanks receiving water after a gap of more than four decades.

The improvement in water availability has led to a reduction in borewell usage and cutting agricultural power consumption by 30–40%. This has resulted in estimated savings of about ₹96 crore to the State exchequer over four months. Expansion of horticulture by about 20,000 hectares has contributed an additional ₹1,634 crore, while dairy and allied activities have further supported rural livelihoods.

Officials said the project has demonstrated the potential of sustainable and low-cost water management practices in drought-prone regions.