Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials to complete a scientific assessment of drought-like conditions and declare drought-affected mandals by October 1.
A preliminary assessment for the 2026 Kharif season found drought-like conditions in 513 mandals across 28 districts. Officials classified the situation as severe in 268 mandals and moderate in 245.
The assessment looks at more than rainfall. Officials are studying crop cultivation, groundwater levels, soil moisture, satellite data and reservoir storage. Agriculture teams will also check crop damage and possible yield losses in the affected areas.
District collectors must submit drought-relief proposals by September 24. A state-level committee will review them on September 29, before the final declaration.
The government has also set aside ₹190 crore to protect horticultural crops. Officials said crops across 17,916 hectares could face stress linked to El Niño, including mango, sweet orange, chilli, onion and vegetable crops.
Naidu also asked officials to prevent drinking water shortages. Tankers will be used where borewells cannot meet demand, while officials will take extra steps to protect Visakhapatnam’s water supply.
