Mahesh Goud Raises Concern Over Telangana’s Water Scarcity

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Goud has expressed concern over the emerging water scarcity situation in Telangana, citing the impact of El Niño and deficient rainfall. In an open letter addressed to Congress leaders, party workers and the public, he warned that declining reservoir levels, increasing pressure on groundwater resources and growing irrigation needs could pose serious challenges in the coming months. According to the figures cited in the letter, the state’s reservoirs have a combined water storage of 209 TMC against an expected 460 TMC. Mahesh Goud said the situation could affect agriculture, drinking water supplies and rural livelihoods, while Hyderabad and other urban areas may also face pressure on their water resources. Greater dependence on borewells could further increase agricultural power demand and cultivation costs.

Mahesh Goud urged Congress leaders at district, constituency, mandal and village levels to assess local water conditions, monitor reservoirs and tanks, identify villages at risk of drinking water shortages and help farmers make crop choices based on water availability. He called for awareness programmes on alternative crops requiring less water, climate-resilient farming, seed availability, crop insurance and government assistance. The letter also called for cooperation between the state and central governments to address the situation and referred to the state’s proposed request for special financial assistance. Appealing to the public to conserve water, he encouraged households to avoid wastage and promote rainwater harvesting. He also urged people to rely on official information rather than rumours, stressing the need for coordinated planning and timely action to protect farmers and strengthen Telangana’s water security.