NELLORE: With poor rainfall and low water levels in reservoirs like Somasila, Kandaleru, paddy farmers in the district are facing a grim future. Paddy was to be cultivated in three lakh acres in the district, this season.
The administration took the decision in the Irrigation Advisory Board (IAB) meeting to supply water to 1.76 lakh acres to ensure continuity of water supply. However, with water levels plumetting it is becoming an increasingly difficult task.
With fast depleting water levels in Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs, farmers in 26 mandals are urging the government to take alternative measures to save their crops. According to the sources the water storage level of Somasila reservoir went down drastically to 7.5tmc. As per the IAB decision the administration must supply another 3 tmc of water to the standing crops by the end of this month, which will leave only 4.5 tmc water available in the Somasila reservoir. Additionally, 2 tmc of water is needed for Nellore’s drinking water requirements.
Normal rainfall in July and August is 148.50 mm , but as per the meteorological department only 115.20mm rain has fallen so far.