Telangana Declares Drought in 365 Mandals Across 31 Districts

The Telangana government has declared drought conditions in 365 mandals across 31 of the state’s 33 districts, excluding Peddapalli and Hyderabad. According to the government, 111 mandals are severely affected, while 254 face moderate drought conditions. Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju has directed district collectors to begin relief measures immediately. The government attributed the situation partly to El Niño, reporting a 17% rainfall deficit during the June–September monsoon season. Against the state’s normal rainfall of 740.6 mm, only 615.5 mm was recorded. The shortfall has affected agriculture, with the total cultivated area declining from 139.28 lakh acres to 126.06 lakh acres and paddy cultivation falling by around 18%. Reduced water storage in major and medium irrigation projects has also raised concerns about drinking water, farming, power generation and livestock fodder.

The government has instructed officials to identify affected farmers and provide eligible relief, including direct input subsidies, drinking-water arrangements, fodder distribution, livestock camps and employment opportunities. It has also called for crop-loan rescheduling in coordination with banks and measures to prevent coercive loan recovery. Detailed assessments of severely affected mandals are to be sent to the Union government within seven days. Telangana has also sought a special package of ₹20,000 crore from the Centre to address drought-related losses and support agriculture, drinking water, livestock, electricity and rural employment. All mandals in Suryapet, Narayanpet, Jogulamba Gadwal, Hanumakonda, Sangareddy and Vikarabad districts have been included in the drought list.