The State government’s Jaladhara-Jalaharathi initiative is being implemented in the drought-hit Annamayya district to combine water conservation with rural employment. Launched as a 100-day programme, the scheme works to conserve rainwater and restore traditional water bodies to strengthen irrigation security.
Speaking to the media on Thursday (April 30, 2026), District Collector Nishant Kumar said the District Water Management Agency and the Irrigation department had taken up large-scale desilting, feeder canal development and tank restoration works. “These interventions ensure that rainwater is channelled into interconnected tanks, raising storage capacity and groundwater recharge,” he said.
‘Jaladhara–Jalaharathi’ launched to serve farmers’ interests, says Minister
As part of the initiative, in Galiveedu mandal’s Araveedu village panchayat, works worth ₹5 lakh are in progress to link multiple tanks through a 2-km feeder canal. About 500 rural households are engaged under the MGNREGS, earning wages while contributing to long-term water sustainability, the Collector said.
“The project will bring irrigation to about 210 acres, improving crop prospects and stabilising farm incomes. Farmers say the initiative not only prevents rainwater wastage but also ensures a reliable water supply for both agricultural and drinking needs,” he said.
