India, April 26 -- 87 Mandals in four districts classified as 'severely affected' areas with less than 50% Kharif and 20% Rabi operations seen since 2020

Rayalaseema, a region in Andhra Pradesh, has been gripped by severe drought for the past four years, with little attention from political parties or government bodies. Major political parties' election manifestos include references to the environment and water resource management as sub-topics. However, there is no major shift or proposal for drought relief via permanent water resource creation and management, or augmented irrigation water projects.

The four districts of Ananthapuramu, Chittoor, YSR and Kurnool are among the most affected, with 87 mandals or subdistricts classified as ...