AMARAVATI, Jan 25 (IANS) — Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spotlighting the community-led water conservation efforts of Anantapur during the first Mann Ki Baat episode of 2026.
The Prime Minister’s recognition comes as a significant boost to the “Ananta Neeru Samarakshanam“ project, which has successfully transformed a region often compared to a desert into a blossoming ecosystem.
A Desert Transformed: The Anantapur Success Story
During the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, PM Modi highlighted how the residents of Anantapur tackled severe drought and erratic rainfall.
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The Challenge: Anantapur’s red, sandy soil and recurring water scarcity led many to liken it to a desert.
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The Initiative: Under the ‘Ananta Neeru Samarakshanam’ project, locals joined forces with the administration to clean and revive ancient reservoirs.
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The Impact: Over 10 reservoirs have been fully rejuvenated, and 7,000 trees have been planted to increase green cover.
“In Anantapur, along with water conservation, greenery has also increased… the entire ecosystem has blossomed again,” the Prime Minister remarked, sharing a special video clip of the efforts in Telugu on social media.
Water Security: A Pillar of Swarna Andhra 2047
Responding to the Prime Minister’s praise, CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that Water Security is a non-negotiable priority under the Swarna Andhra Vision @2047.
Naidu noted that water management is one of the “Padi Sutralus” (10-point principles) adopted by his government to ensure a drought-proof future for the state.
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Modern Tech Integration: The state plans to integrate AI and IoT for real-time groundwater monitoring.
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Traditional Practices: Restoring temple tanks and local ponds remains a core focus.
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Resilient Infrastructure: Building sustainable check dams and recharge shafts to harness every drop of rainwater.
Key Highlights of the ‘Ananta Neeru Samarakshanam’ Project
| Feature | Achievement |
| Reservoirs Revived | 10+ major water bodies |
| Afforestation | 7,000+ saplings planted |
| Agricultural Impact | 25-28% increase in crop yield (Groundnut & Pigeon Pea) |
| Social Impact | Local youth and children now use revived ponds for swimming and recreation |
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the PM’s message “further motivates” the state in its mission to achieve 100% water security by blending tradition with technology.
