AP taking ample measures to tackle drought condition: Chandrababu Naidu

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh is taking short- term and long-term measures like building irrigation projects to overcome drought conditions in the state, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said.

Observing that 238 mandals in seven districts of the state have been declared drought-hit, Naidu said in the Legislative Assembly that the state government was able to save crops by diverting river water.

The government is taking measures like supply of water and fodder (for livestock) and managing borewells as short- term measures, he said. The long-term measures include completing the Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project, Pattiseema lift irrigation scheme, Handri-Neva and other irrigation projects, he said.

The government is also implementing the 'Neeru-Chettu' (water-tree) and desiltation of water bodies, among others to improve availability of water, he said.

Funds would not be a constraint for implementation of drought-relief measures, he said.

The state has sought a financial assistance of Rs 1,532 crore from the Centre for undertaking drought-relief works, he said.

A Central team would visit the state soon, he said. Naidu appreciated the visit of BJP leaders to the drought-hit Rayalaseema region recently. The BJP leaders, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi recently requesting implementation of promises made to Andhra Pradesh during bifurcation last year, also sought help for the Rayalaseema region. Deputy Chief Minister N Chinna Rajappa said the state received 32 per cent deficit rainfall during June to September (monsoon) period last year.