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Naidu Orders Drought Mandals Declared by October 1

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 4:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered drought-affected mandals to be declared by October 1.
Officials reported drought-like conditions in 513 mandals across 28 districts, with 268 severe.
The state recorded a 50.7% rainfall deficit, highest in Prakasam, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts.
Naidu allocated INR60 crore for kharif contingency, INR190 crore for horticulture protection, and INR3,500 crore for water projects.

History

Historical Context

In 1972 monsoon rains fell about 30% in Maharashtra, leading Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to obtain a $50 million World Bank aid package and create the National Drought Relief Programme. The plan drew on Maharashtra’s 1960s relief experience and on the 1979-80 West Bengal drought, which spurred the Desert Development and Drought-Prone Area programmes. Those policies guide today’s Andhra Pradesh water response.

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Story summary

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered drought-affected mandals to be declared by October 1.
Officials reported drought-like conditions in 513 mandals across 28 districts, with 268 severe.
The state recorded a 50.7% rainfall deficit, highest in Prakasam, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts.
Naidu allocated INR60 crore for kharif contingency, INR190 crore for horticulture protection, and INR3,500 crore for water projects.

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