El Niño Alert: CM Revanth Reddy Orders Round-the-Clock Power Supply to Protect Crops in Telangana

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the state for the next 20 days, stressing that the period is crucial for the ongoing agricultural season amid concerns over El Niño and deficient rainfall. He warned that power cuts would not be tolerated until crops are harvested and cautioned that negligence could lead to the suspension of IAS officers. Describing El Niño as a major challenge comparable to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister called for a comprehensive action plan extending until June. During a high-level review meeting at Bodhi Bhavan in the MCRHRD Institute on Wednesday, he assessed the impact of deficient rainfall and El Niño on electricity, drinking water and agriculture. Expressing displeasure over repeated power interruptions, he questioned officials about inadequate generation at the Yadadri power plant despite arrangements to secure coal supplies from Naini and Mahanadi. He directed the power department to address supply disruptions immediately and ensure that farmers do not suffer due to administrative lapses.

The Chief Minister also instructed all departments to prepare for a prolonged spell of adverse weather conditions and identify practical measures to minimise the impact on the public. Officials were asked to ensure adequate drinking water and fodder for livestock and promote the use of treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants for construction and other suitable purposes in Greater Hyderabad. He directed the appointment of Group-I and Group-II officers to monitor conditions in every mandal, covering rainfall, electricity supply, drinking water, crops and fodder, with regular reports to the Chief Secretary. Revanth Reddy further called for public awareness campaigns through village meetings and cultural programmes to explain the possible effects of El Niño and encourage water and electricity conservation. A meeting with all state ministers was also reportedly planned to discuss the action plan and coordinate preparedness measures.