Andhra Pradesh Rural L Ivel Ihoods Programme Water Audit

Copyright: Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Programme. Additional copies of the report may be downloaded from the APRLP website (www.aplivelihoods.org) or WHiRL website (www.nri.org/WSS-IWRM/) This publication was commissioned as part of the Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Programme and undertaken by DFID-supported consultants. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect official policies. This document has been produced with the intention of promoting discussion between key stakeholders in the water sector in Andhra Pradesh. Foreword The Water Audit has highlighted the need for greater accuracy in official statistics held by different line departments. As these statistics underpin decision-making at all levels, increased effort is also required to make water-related information accessible to those who need it. Finally, the APRLP Water Audit makes recommendations for policies and interventions that take a long-term approach to developing and managing water resources. These r ecommendations include practical suggestions for ways in which Andhra Pradesh could introduce and pilot integrated water resource management systems that have the aims o f protecting drinking water supplies, promoting equitable access to water f or productiv e uses and enhancing the efficiency and pr oductivity of water use at all scales. Given that demand and competition f or water resources in Andhra Pradesh is almost certainly going to intensify in coming years, the contribution of the APRLP Water Audit to ongoing debates and polic y formulation is welcomed. During the last 25 years, Andhra Pradesh has been at the f orefront of watershed development and other innovative programmes aimed at tackling the challenges of poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. The DFID-supported Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Programme (APRLP) is pr oviding the Andhra Pradesh Department of Rural Development with another excellent opportunity to develop and assess novel approaches to helping rural communities and households overcome the complex constraints and impediments that impact on all aspects o f their livelihoods. The APRLP is also providing an opportunity to identify and build upon the successful components of existing programmes and, where relevant, to rethink and modify those approaches to de velopment that have been less successful or that hav e resulted in unintended consequences. The APRLP Water Audit working in partnership with relevant line departments has shown that ongoing water-related policies and programmes hav e and are producing a range o f benefits. Ho wever, the Water Audit has also identified situations in which current programmes run the risk of being victims …