They said 122 mandals have been identified as high-risk areas, with 2.78 lakh hectares of cotton and 1.07 lakh hectares of paddy likely to be affected. The Chief Minister directed officials to maximise the use of available irrigation sources, including the Vamsadhara project, and explore borewell irrigation wherever feasible to protect standing crops. Reviewing crop insurance, officials said crops covering 6.30 lakh hectares have already been registered under the Fasal Bima Yojana and Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme. The Chief Minister also directed officials to prevent shortages of drinking water and livestock fodder. Although fodder sufficient for five months has been arranged, he asked officials to prepare for a year's requirement, noting that El Nino conditions could persist throughout the year.