Andhra Pradesh notifies 51 mandals in six districts as drought affected

Andhra Pradesh government declares 51 mandals in six districts affected by drought, issuing relief measures for farmers.

The Andhra Pradesh government has notified that 51 mandals in six districts of Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Kadapa and Prakasam have been affected by drought during the north–east monsoon (rabi) season.

The impact of the drought has been severe in 37 mandals while the rest have been moderately affected, the government said and issued an order as per the guidelines prescribed by Government of India Manual for Drought Management-2016.  

Announcing the drought-hit mandals through G.O.Ms. No. 3 on March 31, R.P. Sisodia, Special Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Department, has instructed the District Collectors concerned to take the necessary action and notify the specific mandals, along with the affected areas, in the District Gazette to enable farmers to avail of credit facilities and relief operations. 

As per the State government’s notification, the drought-affected mandals in six districts are Kurnool (nine severe and one moderate), Nandyal (one severe and four moderate), Anantapur (six severe and one moderate), Sri Sathya Sai (one severe and moderate each), Prakasam (11 severe and six moderate) and Kadapa (nine severe and one moderate). 

Aspari, Kallur, Kurnool Rural, Kurnool Urban, Maddikera, Orvakal, Gudur, Kodumur, Veldurthy mandals in Kurnool district have been categorised as severely affected, while Pattikonda recognised as moderately affected.   

In Nandyal district, Kolimigundla has been declared as a severely affected mandal, whereas Bethamcherla, Banaganapalli, Sanjamala, Uyyalawada are in the moderate category.