The Telangana government will hold a special meeting on October 12 to review drought conditions and the reported impact of El Niño on rainfall, with discussions covering drinking water, irrigation, agriculture and rising electricity demand across the state.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will chair the meeting with ministers, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle. The review will focus on areas that have received reduced rainfall, the difficulties faced by farmers and immediate measures required in drought-affected regions.
Telangana has recorded 17 per cent less rainfall than normal, while drought conditions are prevailing in approximately 235 mandals, the report said. The situation has already been discussed extensively at a recent state Cabinet meeting.
The meeting is expected to consider supportive measures for affected areas and examine an action plan prepared by the Cabinet Sub-Committee. Agriculture and irrigation water will be among the key areas under review, alongside the availability of drinking water and the anticipated increase in electricity demand.
The water-related concerns extend across both rural livelihoods and essential public supply. Reduced rainfall can affect farmers and irrigation availability, while drought conditions also place greater pressure on drinking-water arrangements and electricity systems. The government’s planned review brings these connected demands into a single administrative discussion.
The state government has already passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking adequate financial assistance from the central government. It has requested a special package of Rs. 20,000 crore to address the drought situation.
The October 12 meeting will also consider the outcome of an all-party meeting, as well as advice and suggestions from farmers’ associations and experts from different sectors. The government is expected to use these inputs while reviewing the measures to be undertaken in drought-affected mandals.
