Amaravati, January 02, 2026: Andhra Pradesh has implemented two new districts, Polavaram and Markapuram, effective from January 1, boosting the state's count from 26 to 28.
This administrative shift aims to streamline services, improve welfare access, and drive targeted regional growth.
Polavaram district, carved from Alluri Sitharama Raju district's Rampachodavaram and Chinturu revenue divisions, includes 11 mandals and serves around 349,000 people, mostly from tribal communities. With Rampachodavaram as headquarters, it focuses on rehabilitation for areas affected by the Polavaram irrigation project and supports tribal development.
Markapuram district, formed from western Prakasam district's Markapuram and Kanigiri divisions, covers 21 mandals and a population of about 1.14 million. Headquartered in Markapuram, it addresses long-standing demands from drought-prone farming regions facing water scarcity, promising easier reach to crop insurance, welfare schemes, and industrial opportunities.
