CM Revanth Urges Farmers to Delay Paddy Cultivation in Yasangi Season

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has warned that El Nino could lead to severe water and electricity shortages in the state over the next eight to ten months. Speaking to the media after a review meeting with ministers and senior officials, he urged farmers and the public to remain alert and conserve available resources. The Chief Minister said the state's reservoirs currently hold only 209 TMC of water against an expected 460 TMC. He also highlighted a 72% shortfall in water storage in the Krishna basin, a 40% shortfall in the Godavari basin and a 23% rainfall deficit. With drinking water needs becoming a major concern, he appealed to farmers to postpone paddy cultivation during the Rabi season and opt for less water-intensive crops. He also urged the public to avoid wasting water and use every drop judiciously.

Revanth Reddy said electricity demand had risen from 15,000 MW to around 20,000 MW, forcing the government to purchase additional power from the market to meet agricultural and domestic needs. He called on the Centre to provide financial assistance to farmers affected by crop losses and directed officials to prioritise the restoration of ponds and lakes under the employment guarantee scheme. An all-party meeting will be held after Dasara under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, followed by a visit to Delhi to seek assistance from the Union government. Responding to criticism from the BRS, the Chief Minister said El Nino was affecting around 100 countries and rejected claims that the Congress government was responsible for the drought-like situation. He appealed to political parties, farmers, citizens, media organisations and film personalities to join hands in addressing the potential crisis.