Tummala’s Key Remarks on El Niño Impact

Telangana Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has warned that temperatures in Bhadradri Kothagudem district could exceed 50°C due to the impact of a super El Niño. On Monday, he inspected the Godavari barrage works near Ammagaripalli in Aswapuram mandal. He announced plans to place sandbags one metre high on the Dummugudem barrage to store up to one TMC of water. The work is scheduled to begin on Dussehra following instructions from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The minister said the El Niño effect and lack of rainfall had led to declining groundwater levels and a shortage of water in the Godavari. He explained that storing the river water was essential to prevent drinking water shortages and protect crops from drying up. Tummala urged farmers to consider cultivating crops that require less water, cautioning them against water-intensive paddy cultivation amid concerns over water availability and reduced power generation. He added that he had discussed the situation with the Chief Minister, who directed officials to take up the sandbag works immediately.