Efficient water management will ensure a drought-free State: Naidu

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu declared Andhra Pradesh's transformation into a farmer-friendly state, emphasizing water management and irrigation reforms. He highlighted past efforts like the Handri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari, and Telugu Ganga projects, which addressed drought and provided water to Chennai. The government has launched recharge pit programs and is optimizing water use through micro-irrigation systems, transforming Anantapur into a horticulture hub. Naidu called for efficient water usage, timely planning for the kharif and rabi seasons, diversification beyond paddy, and promoting natural farming to eliminate drought permanently. He also announced clearing pending bills from previous irrigation works and urged collective participation of irrigation associations in water governance.