The “YSR Jala Kala” scheme is one of the flagship ‘NAVARATNALU’ programmes by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh. It aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers by optimally utilizing groundwater resources for irrigation. Under this programme, borewells are drilled free of cost for eligible and needy farmers across all thirteen districts of the state. Prior to drilling, integrated hydrogeological and geophysical surveys are conducted to identify feasible sites. NAVARATNALU overall seeks to enhance service delivery, living standards, and governance quality, and YSR Jala Kala specifically targets the primary sector to boost the state’s GSDP.
Benefits
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Borewell Drilling:
Borewells are drilled using the 900 ‘V’ notch method with a minimum yield of 1000 GPH (4500 liters per hour). -
Contingency for Failures:
If the first borewell fails, the drilling contractor will drill a second borewell on the same land (if feasible) and prepare the failed borewell as a recharge well. -
Recharge Structures:
Construction of recharge pits or water harvesting structures is included. -
Social Audit & Documentation:
A social audit is conducted for each borewell, and digital photographs with geo-tags (date, time, latitude, longitude) are taken in the presence of the beneficiary and drilling contractor.
Eligibility
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Beneficiary Criteria:
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The applicant must be a farmer residing in Andhra Pradesh.
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The farmer should either not have an existing borewell/tube well or have a failed borewell/tube well.
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Exclusions:
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Lands in the 1094 over-exploited revenue villages (as per G.O.MS.No.548 dated 27-02-2020, subject to updates by the PR&RD department) are not eligible.
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Application Process
Mode: Offline
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Submission:
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Eligible beneficiaries must fill in the application form and submit it at the Village Secretariat along with self-attested copies of required documents.
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Tracking:
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After submission, farmers can track their application status online via www.ysrjalakala.ap.gov.in or call the Spandana Toll-Free No. 1902 for queries.
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Scrutiny & Verification:
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Applications are scrutinized at the Village level by the VRO after field verification, then forwarded to the Assistant Project Director (DWMA/MPDO).
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Feasibility Assessment:
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The drilling contractor, in consultation with geologists/geophysicists, conducts surveys in adherence to APWALTA norms. The survey reports are submitted to the APD, DWMA/MPDO.
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Sanction Process:
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Based on the feasibility reports, APD, DWMA/MPDO generates estimates and sends them to PD, DWMA. The District Collector then provides administrative sanction after verification.
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Documents Required
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Aadhaar card
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White Ration Card
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Filled application form
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First and Second Pages of the Land Passbook
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Residential proof
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Caste certificate (if applicable)
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Mobile number
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(Other documents may be specified as per local guidelines)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which Department introduced the scheme?
The scheme is introduced by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh. -
What are the objectives of YSR Jala Kala?
The main objective is to utilize groundwater resources to improve the livelihoods of farmers by providing free borewell drilling services. -
Are borewells constructed directly?
No, borewells are drilled only after conducting integrated hydrogeological and geophysical surveys to identify feasible sites. -
What are the specifications of the borewells?
Borewells are drilled using the 900 ‘V’ notch method with a minimum yield of 1000 GPH (4500 liters per hour). -
What happens if the borewell fails?
If a borewell fails, a second borewell is drilled on the same land (if feasible) and the failed borewell is refilled and used as a recharge well. -
Where can the guidelines be found?
Detailed guidelines are available on the official YSR Jala Kala website. -
What does “NAVARATNALU” mean?
NAVARATNALU is a suite of welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh aimed at improving service delivery, living standards, and governance. -
Is YSR Jala Kala applicable in all districts?
Yes, it is applicable in all thirteen districts of Andhra Pradesh. -
Can a farmer with an existing borewell apply?
No, only farmers without an existing borewell or with a failed borewell are eligible. -
Does the scheme extend to over-exploited revenue villages?
No, lands in the notified over-exploited revenue villages are excluded. -
Who conducts the feasibility surveys?
The drilling contractor engages geologists/geophysicists (as per APWALTA norms) to locate feasible drilling sites. Survey reports are then submitted to the relevant authorities.