Telangana Government Plans District-Wise Action to Tackle Drought and El Niño Risks

Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has called for comprehensive action plans at state and district levels to address drought and potential El Niño-related challenges. He stressed that district collectors must be provided with adequate funds to respond quickly to emergencies, while all concerned departments should work in coordination. The minister was speaking at the first meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to review drought and El Niño conditions and recommend preventive measures. The meeting was held at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat in Hyderabad on Friday, under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised the need to assess drinking water availability, irrigation requirements, crop protection measures and vulnerable areas in advance. He also urged officials to identify local problems early and ensure that administrative procedures do not delay essential relief.

During the meeting, officials reviewed rainfall deficits, reservoir storage levels, irrigation availability, groundwater levels, agricultural conditions and departmental preparedness. According to the assessment presented, 358 mandals in Telangana were facing drought-related concerns. Of these, 315 reportedly met the prescribed drought assessment criteria, while another 43 faced the risk of crop losses. The committee discussed including evidence-based details of these additional mandals in the representation to the Centre to seek assistance under applicable schemes. The state has recorded an estimated 24% rainfall deficit, while reservoir storage levels remain significantly below normal and groundwater resources are under pressure in several areas. The meeting emphasised continuous monitoring, timely mobilisation of resources and coordinated action to protect agriculture, drinking water supplies and rural livelihoods. Ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Seethakka and Vakiti Srihari, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and senior officials from the concerned departments attended the meeting.