Telangana CM orders officials to finalise robust action plan to tackle El Niño crisis
CM Revanth Reddy directs officials to tackle drought, water, and power shortages caused by El Niño with a robust state-wide action plan.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has issued urgent directives to state officials to formulate and execute a comprehensive action plan to combat the escalating crisis triggered by El Niño. During a high-level review meeting at his Jubilee Hills residence, the Chief Minister warned that the next eight months will be a critical period for the state as it navigates potential drought-like conditions and resource shortages.
Addressing Water, Agriculture, and Power Shortages
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government must act preemptively to mitigate the risks associated with El Niño. The proposed strategy focuses on four critical pillars: drinking water availability, irrigation management, agricultural stability, and the uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Recognizing the immediate threat to livelihoods, CM Reddy ordered officials to conduct a thorough assessment of standing crops. He insisted that measures must be taken to ensure that no water shortage occurs until the current harvest cycle is fully completed. The Chief Minister stressed a zero-waste policy, instructing officials to ensure that "not a single drop of water goes to waste" in the face of the impending scarcity.
Regarding the energy sector, the Chief Minister cautioned that the power crisis is likely to intensify. While the state government is prepared to fund the procurement of necessary electricity, the CM noted that market availability is becoming increasingly scarce. Consequently, officials have been advised to promote the prudent use of power and to temporarily postpone electricity-intensive activities where possible.
State Seeks ₹20,000 Crore Package from Centre
The crisis is already being felt across the state, with approximately 215 mandals experiencing drought-like conditions. In response, the Telangana government has taken a formal resolution in the Assembly, appealing to the Central Government for urgent intervention. The state is requesting:
- The official declaration of drought-affected areas.
- Adequate financial assistance to manage the crisis.
- A special relief package amounting to ₹20,000 crore.
- An additional 50 days of employment under the existing employment guarantee scheme, extending the standard 125 days.
Public Awareness and Monitoring Systems
To ensure the success of the mitigation efforts, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of public partnership. A massive awareness campaign is set to launch following the Dussehra festival, utilizing television channels, cinema halls, and cultural troupes to educate citizens from the village level to the state level about the impacts of El Niño.
To maintain constant vigilance, the CM proposed the following administrative measures:
- War Room Establishment: Setting up a dedicated center for continuous real-time monitoring of the situation.
- Toll-Free Helpline: Providing a direct line for citizens to report issues and seek assistance.
- CMO Oversight: Senior officials from the Chief Minister's Office will be tasked with the constant supervision of power supply arrangements.
A special meeting with cabinet ministers will be convened shortly to finalize decisions regarding low-rainfall areas and the specific difficulties faced by the farming community. The Chief Minister also noted that the formation of an all-party committee remains an option, to be decided after further deliberations with his ministers.