The Andhra Pradesh government has declared drought in 388 mandals across 21 districts following a significant rainfall shortage during the 2026 Kharif season. Of the affected mandals, 283 have been classified as severely affected and 105 as moderately affected.
The drought declaration comes after a major deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall. Between June and August, Andhra Pradesh recorded a rainfall deficit of around 53.4 percent, according to reports.
The impact has been particularly serious in Rayalaseema. The region accounts for 186 of the 388 drought-affected mandals. It also has 159 of the 283 mandals classified as severely affected.
The government’s decision is expected to help affected areas become eligible for drought-related relief measures. Farmers and rural communities have been facing water shortages and difficulties in maintaining crops.
The drought situation has also increased pressure on groundwater resources. Reports said a large number of borewells had dried up in several affected areas, forcing some communities to depend on water tankers.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has linked the water crisis to the need for long-term river management. He has advocated interlinking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers as a possible solution for water shortages across southern states.
The Opposition YSR Congress Party has questioned the timing of the drought declaration. It has alleged that the government should have acted earlier as conditions worsened in several districts.
The government’s notification does not include every area that opposition leaders have identified as drought-hit. YSRCP leaders have particularly raised concerns about parts of Nellore district.
The drought declaration comes at a time when Andhra Pradesh is also seeking financial support from the Centre. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is visiting New Delhi for meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers. Drought relief is among the issues expected to be discussed.
The Chief Minister is also expected to discuss major infrastructure projects, including the proposed Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project and Beach Corridor. River-linking proposals are also expected to be part of the discussions.
For farmers, the immediate priority remains water availability and support for agricultural losses. The extent of relief will depend on further assessments by state and central authorities.
The drought declaration has therefore become one of the major issues facing Andhra Pradesh as the state enters the next phase of the agricultural season.