International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Anantapur district is located in the southern part of India and covers a geographical area of approximately 10,205 square kilometres. Administratively, the district is divided into 31 mandals and 3 revenue divisions. It is bounded by Kurnool and Nandyal districts to the north, Sri Sathya Sai district to the south, YSR Kadapa district to the east, and the state of Karnataka to the west. The climatic conditions of the district are greatly influenced by its geographical location, elevation, and the river systems of the Penna and Chitravathi rivers flowing through the region. The district experiences a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of about 550 mm, of which nearly 60 percent is received during the Southwest Monsoon season.
The major aim of the present study is to examine and analyze the spatial distribution and variability of rainfall in Anantapur Mandal for the years 2000, 2010, and 2024. Special emphasis has been given to understanding rainfall variability within the Anantapur mandal and urban areas. For this purpose, highresolution gridded rainfall data obtained from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been utilized.
The application of geospatial techniques has helped in identifying the spatial and temporal changes in rainfall patterns across the study area. The study reveals significant variations in rainfall distribution over the selected years within Anantapur Mandal. During the year 2000, the region experienced predominantly moderate to high rainfall conditions. In 2010, noticeable changes in rainfall patterns were observed, with several areas recording comparatively higher rainfall levels. By the year 2024, low to moderate rainfall conditions became more prominent in different parts of the mandal. The rainfall pattern observed during 2024 indicates the emergence of a relatively balanced hydrological condition compared to previous years, reflecting changing climatic behaviour and rainfall dynamics in the region.
The findings of the study emphasize the importance of understanding rainfall variability and climatic changes for sustainable environmental management and agricultural planning. Proper assessment of rainfall dynamics is essential for adopting suitable agricultural practices, improving water resource management, and ensuring environmental sustainability in Anantapur Mandal. Strategic planning and effective mitigation measures are necessary to reduce the adverse impacts of droughts, irregular rainfall, and excessive rainfall events on the local population and the regional economy.

Dr.D.Chandra Sekhar Reddy,"Rainfall Variability and Climate Change in the Urban Area of Anantapur: A GIS-Based Study" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(3): Page(1400-1406) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.