Sri Sathya Sai district speeds up Jaladhara 2.0 water‑body repairs amid El Niño drought
Collector Shyam Prasad orders rapid restoration of tanks, ponds and canals to strengthen water security under the Jaladhara 2.0 scheme.
The district collector, Shyam Prasad, has issued a directive for all officials to intensify work on the Jaladhara 2.0 programme in Sri Sathya Sai district. The order calls for immediate repairs of every tank, pond and canal, treating the task as a priority operation.
Jaladhara 2.0, the state’s second phase of an integrated water‑conservation effort, focuses on reviving traditional water‑storage structures and improving irrigation channels. By clearing silt, fixing embankments and restoring connectivity, the scheme aims to capture monsoon runoff and sustain agriculture throughout the year.
The push comes as the region grapples with a severe El Niño episode that has reduced rainfall and heightened the risk of water shortages. Officials were instructed to adopt a “war‑footing” approach, accelerating timelines that were previously spread over months. Teams are to report daily progress, and any bottlenecks must be cleared without delay.
Authorities expect that completing the repairs swiftly will boost groundwater recharge, safeguard crops and reduce dependence on external water supplies. The collector emphasized coordination between the public works, irrigation and rural development departments, urging them to mobilise additional manpower and resources. If the accelerated schedule is met, the district hopes to see a measurable improvement in water availability before the next planting season.