Nara Lokesh Highlights Water Management, Says Every Drop Should Be Stored for Future Use

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has stressed the need for proactive water management, saying rainfall should be treated as a resource rather than allowing excess water during floods to flow away unused. In a post on X, he highlighted the importance of preparing in advance, storing available rainwater through reservoirs, canals and irrigation systems, and using it for agriculture and future drinking-water requirements. Lokesh said recent rains had significantly increased water storage in the state’s reservoirs and credited officials and field teams for coordinating water-management measures during the rainfall and flood situation.

Lokesh also highlighted the “Pixels to Pipes” concept, which focuses on connecting satellite observations, digital technology and data with ground-level water management. The idea involves forecasting rainfall and water flows, identifying where water can be stored and planning how the stored resource can ultimately reach farmers. The minister said effective water management requires forecasting conditions before rainfall, preparing the system in advance and responding quickly when water becomes available. The approach places emphasis on using technology and infrastructure together so that rainwater can support irrigation and drinking-water security instead of becoming a temporary flood burden.