Telangana Launches Statewide El Niño Awareness Campaign, Says Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju

Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju has called for a comprehensive public awareness campaign on El Niño and its potential impact on weather conditions, rainfall, water availability, agriculture and electricity consumption. He made these remarks on October 23 at a one-day awareness workshop for Information and Public Relations Department officials and Telangana Samskruthika Sarathi artists held at Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad. He stressed that timely and accurate information would help people understand the possible consequences of El Niño and prepare for emerging challenges. According to the Chief Secretary, the state has recorded a rainfall deficit of more than 20 per cent, accompanied by a reduction of around 20 per cent in cultivated area. He also noted that reservoir storage levels stood at approximately 30 to 40 per cent and that drinking water would be given priority through July. Electricity consumption had reportedly reached a peak of 20,000 megawatts in recent months. He added that the Chief Minister and ministers were regularly reviewing the situation.

The Chief Secretary directed the Information and Public Relations Department and the Telangana Cultural Department to coordinate a statewide campaign covering every village and town. Alongside print, electronic, outdoor and social media, officials were asked to use folk performances and cultural programmes to communicate information effectively, particularly in rural areas. District Public Relations Officers and Telangana Samskruthika Sarathi artists were urged to actively participate in grassroots outreach. The campaign will promote water and electricity conservation, adequate hydration during hot weather, avoiding outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours unless necessary, and protecting older people, children and other vulnerable groups. Jaju also called for coordination among agriculture, electricity, animal husbandry, revenue and disaster management departments to ensure that practical advice and warnings reach the public. He emphasised that public participation, alongside coordinated government action, would be essential to managing the potential effects of El Niño.