Assessment of Meteorological Drought Dynamics in Anantapuramu District, India

The yearly SPI (Standardized precipitation Index) values for 63 mandals based on different clusters were estimated using Meteorological Drought Monitoring software. Studies on drought, utilizing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at a 12-month timescale (SPI-12) over approximately 12-year intervals, reveal that drought conditions are evolving from sporadic occurrences to ongoing, multi-year hydroclimatic events, primarily influenced by unpredictable rainfall patterns and heightened atmospheric demand. The highest drought percentage for Yearly SPI was observed in Cluster 1, Madakasira mandal with 23.3% followed by Vajrakarur, Raptadu and Kalyandurg (20%), In cluster 2, Singanamala and Parigi mandals with 23.3%. followed by Anantapur mandal (17.7%), in cluster3, Bukkapatnam mandal with 23.3% followed by Somandepalle and Kadiri (20%), In cluster 4, Gummagatta (20%) followed by Rayadurg mandal with 19.9% and in cluster 5, Bommanahal and Chenne Kothapalle mandals with 20% followed by Atmakur mandal (16.6%) respectively. Out of 63 mandals in Anantapur district, the SPI-12 analysis revealed that 21 mandals, namely Madakasira, Kalyandurg, Ramagiri, Narpala, Singanamala, Parigi, Roddam, Garladinne, Bukkapatnam, Yellanur, Kadiri, Somandepalle, Pamidi, Rayadurg, Gummagatta, Peddavadugur, Kambadur, Atmakur, Chenne Kothapalle, Bommanahal and Kudair were almost affected by moderate dry to extreme dry events so these mandals require immediate course of action. Through this study it was highlighted the adoptability and used modern tools of technology and software can successfully be utilized for assessment of irrigation potential of given area and monitoring and planning of irrigation water available for optimum utilization of available water to increase water use efficiency and optimum crop production. Yearly SPI values are useful for planning stream flows, reservoir levels, and even groundwater levels over longer time frames.