Water levels in reservoirs under the Krishna and Godavari projects are rapidly depleting due to severe drought conditions in the state. The situation is made worse by the lack of water inflow from upstream regions.
Even before the summer season fully begins, the state is facing acute water scarcity. The state government has decided to conserve the remaining water in reservoirs exclusively for drinking water needs until the end of summer.
Given these circumstances, irrigation department sources have clarified that it will not be possible to supply irrigation water to the 64,88,981 acres of stabilized ayacut under major, medium, and minor irrigation projects for the upcoming Rabi season.
Sources within the state irrigation department have indicated that a crop holiday for the Rabi season is unavoidable. Farmers have been advised to refrain from cultivating paddy and other water-intensive crops.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has already urged farmers in the state to take a break from paddy and other water-dependent crops during the Rabi season. He said this decision is essential given the current water availability.
Officials estimate that the current water reserves are only sufficient for drinking water requirements. They have stated that there is no scope for irrigation water supply.
