For decades, the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, comprising undivided Kurnool, Anantapur, Kadapa, and Chittoor, has been grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis, affecting both irrigation and drinking water needs. Many areas in this region are located in rain-shadow or rain-deficit geographical blocks, exacerbating the water scarcity problem. Unfortunately, successive governments have made little effort to address this issue and ensure a steady water supply for the region’s 19 lakh acres of agricultural land. Despite an allocated quota of 132 tmcft from the Krishna Basin (out of the total 511 tmcft allocated by the Bachawath Commission for the State, with 299 tmcft for Telangana), the region has been left parched and in dire need of sustainable irrigation solutions.
Presently, only 8 lakh acres in the Rayalaseema region are irrigated, leaving a significant portion of agricultural land unproductive. One potential water source for the region is the inter-State Tungabhadra Dam, located on the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River. Andhra Pradesh has an assured water allocation of 32 tmcft from the Tungabhadra Dam. However, the state has never been able to draw the full quantum of water due to the lack of modernization of the Tungabhadra’s high-level main canal (HLMC), which spans over 84.24 km in the Anantapur district. Furthermore, the 48-km-long TB low-level canal (LLC), designed to serve an ayacut (irrigated area) of 1.51 lakh acres in Kurnool district, falls short of expectations, with less than half of the intended area actually receiving irrigation.
To address the water scarcity crisis in the Rayalaseema region, urgent measures need to be taken. Firstly, there is a pressing need for the modernization and expansion of the Tungabhadra Dam’s infrastructure, particularly the high-level main canal. By upgrading the canal system, the state can ensure a more efficient and equitable distribution of water to the agricultural lands in Anantapur and other neighboring districts. This modernization effort would enable the region to utilize its allocated water quota more effectively and maximize agricultural productivity.
Additionally, the incomplete TB low-level canal project must be expedited to its completion. By providing irrigation to the intended 1.51 lakh acres in Kurnool district, the state can significantly boost agricultural output in the region. It is crucial for the government to allocate sufficient resources and accelerate the construction of the remaining portions of the canal, ensuring that it reaches its full operational capacity.
Furthermore, the government should explore alternative water management strategies to mitigate the water scarcity issue in the long term. This could involve the implementation of water conservation and harvesting techniques, such as building check dams, rejuvenating traditional water bodies, promoting drip irrigation, and encouraging farmers to adopt water-efficient farming practices. By adopting a holistic approach to water management, the region can reduce its dependence on external water sources and build resilience against future water crises.
Addressing the water scarcity crisis in the Rayalaseema region requires a coordinated effort from the government, local communities, and other stakeholders. It is essential to prioritize the allocation of resources, both financial and technical, to implement sustainable solutions that will ensure a steady and reliable water supply for irrigation and drinking water needs. By investing in modernizing existing infrastructure, completing pending projects, and promoting water conservation practices, the Rayalaseema region can overcome its water scarcity challenges and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.