Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has issued a stark warning about a prolonged water crisis in the state, potentially lasting until July next year, due to the ongoing effects of El Nino. Speaking in Hyderabad on Friday, he emphasized the need for residents to conserve water and electricity amid rising temperatures and dwindling resources.
During a high-level meeting with ministers, MLAs, and MLCs, Reddy highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that 15 lakh out of 30 lakh pump sets have already dried up. The state is grappling with a significant water shortage, with reservoir levels alarmingly low, holding less than 200 tmc feet of water. As temperatures continue to rise, the availability of drinking water is expected to worsen.
Reddy pointed out that the El Nino phenomenon is not limited to Telangana but is affecting regions globally, including countries like England and the United States, as well as other Indian states such as Maharashtra, where water rationing has already been implemented in some areas.
The Chief Minister urged the public to adapt to the challenging conditions, drawing parallels to the adaptability shown during the pandemic. He stressed the importance of transparency from public representatives and officials, urging them not to downplay the crisis. Failure to communicate the gravity of the situation could lead to misinformation and political exploitation, he warned.
Electricity demand in Telangana has surged to 20,000 MW, a significant increase from the 13,000 MW recorded during the same period in undivided Andhra Pradesh. Reddy called on consumers, particularly government offices, to minimize unnecessary power usage.
In an effort to support the agricultural sector, Reddy assured that the government would strive to supply water for the upcoming kharif crop. However, he advised farmers to make informed decisions about their crops, recommending a focus on rainfed crops and vegetables due to the depleted water resources.
To mitigate the impact of the crisis, the Chief Minister announced a special employment scheme set to launch after Sankranti. This initiative aims to provide daily work opportunities for individuals over a four-month period until May, ensuring food security for all. Reddy also proposed organizing 'Kalajathas'—cultural troupes—to motivate farmers during this challenging time.
Additionally, Reddy highlighted the need for special measures to protect livestock, ensuring adequate fodder and drinking water for animals. The meeting was attended by Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, and various ministers and MLAs.
