Naidu orders mission-mode rollout of Jaladhara–Jalaharati across AP

Vijayawada: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to treat the Jaladhara–Jalaharati programme as a mission, mandating strict monitoring at the mandal level and time-bound execution to secure water resources across Andhra Pradesh.Reviewing conservation plans via teleconference on Sunday, Naidu stressed that nodal officers in every mandal must drive implementation. Urban mandals too will come under rigorous supervision, with designated officers ensuring accountability and progress.In a key move, Naidu appointed Annamayya district collector Nishant Kumar as state-level nodal officer for Jaladhara, noting that the water management model in Annamayya should be replicated statewide.Calling for a challenge-driven approach, he urged officials to deliver tangible outcomes—repairing canals and tanks to prevent flooding, while ensuring all tanks are filled during the monsoon through efficient planning and utilisation.He also asked for strengthened drainage systems in West Godavari to curb waterlogging. Highlighting economic benefits, Naidu said improved groundwater levels would cut electricity dependence in agriculture, easing the state's financial burden and freeing funds for other development programmes.The chief minister directed that temple tanks (pushkarinis) be included in the initiative, with detailed action plans to preserve traditional water systems while serving community needs.Naidu emphasised public participation, urging people to become active stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability. He called for impact assessments and refinement of strategies based on outcomes.Reiterating the government's focus on long-term water security, Naidu said integrated efforts in conservation, storage and efficient utilisation will be crucial to safeguard the state against floods and droughts while supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods.