‘They Knew About the Drought in Advance but Turned a Blind Eye’: YS Jagan

YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised the Chandrababu Naidu government over the drought-like conditions prevailing across the state. Jagan alleged that the government was aware of the possible impact of El Niño but failed to prepare an effective action plan. He said the rainfall deficit had become evident, yet no adequate measures were taken to address the situation. According to Jagan, farmers who began cultivation relying on assurances of irrigation water have suffered significant losses, estimated at ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per acre. He also demanded that drought-hit mandals be declared without delay.

Jagan further alleged that inadequate water releases from Srisailam to Rayalaseema had brought several projects close to dead-storage levels. He also criticised the government over lift irrigation projects around Pulichintala and raised concerns over the Polavaram project’s height. Jagan alleged that existing Pushkara and Purushottapatnam lift schemes were being presented as new efforts to bring water. He said farmers had been left without adequate crop-insurance protection and called for immediate relief measures. Jagan also reviewed the drought situation with YSRCP district presidents and regional coordinators through a video conference.