El Nino Threatens Telangana.. CM Revanth Reddy Urges Farmers to Postpone Paddy Cultivation

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has warned that El Nino conditions could lead to severe water and electricity shortages in the coming months, potentially affecting people's daily lives. Speaking to the media after reviewing the situation with ministers, he urged people and farmers to remain vigilant and use available water resources judiciously. The Chief Minister said the state's reservoirs held more than 400 TMC of water at the same time last year, compared with just 209 TMC this year. Describing the next eight months as crucial, he appealed to farmers to postpone paddy cultivation during the Rabi season and opt for short-duration, less water-intensive crops. He also expressed concern over declining water levels in reservoirs supplying drinking water to Hyderabad.

Revanth Reddy said electricity consumption had increased by an additional 5,000 MW compared with the average due to the intense heat. He stated that the government was seeking additional power allocations from the Centre and had requested an increase in electricity subsidies. A Cabinet subcommittee will be formed to address the emerging challenges, while an all-party meeting will be convened after Dasara under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. The Chief Minister said officials had been instructed to prepare an action plan to secure additional central funds. He appealed to opposition parties to cooperate with the government beyond political differences and urged the public to remain calm and avoid believing misinformation while the state prepares to tackle the potential impact of El Nino.