Dasoju Sravan seeks Rs 20,000-crore package to tackle drought

BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan Kumar has demanded a Rs 20,000-crore emergency package and special legislative sessions to address the drought crisis. He criticised the government’s response, raised concerns over water and power shortages, and sought relief for affected farmers.Dasoju Sravan

Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan Kumar on Monday demanded that the State government convene special sessions of the Assembly and Legislative Council and pass a Rs 20,000-crore emergency supplementary budget to tackle the El Nino-induced drought crisis.

In an open letter to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and members of the Cabinet sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Sravan accused the government of delaying action despite warnings of deficient rainfall. He termed the sub-committee, constituted through GO Ms No. 1523 on October 19, a diversionary exercise, pointing to the absence of a deadline, dedicated funds and representation from the Municipal Administration Department.

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He said more than 1,000 TMCft of Pranahita floodwater had flowed downstream because the government failed to operate pumps at Kannepalli, leaving farmers in North Telangana distressed. He also pointed to power shortages, costly open-market purchases and dwindling coal stocks at the Yadadri thermal power station.

The BRS MLC warned of a drinking water crisis, citing rainfall deficits in the Krishna and Godavari river basins and low storage levels in minor irrigation tanks. He questioned the allocation of Rs 1 crore per district for drinking water contingencies and sought clarity on drought mitigation spending.

Sravan placed five demands, including amending GO Ms No. 1523 to set a 15-day deadline and provide emergency funds, convening special legislative sessions, and passing the Rs 20,000-crore package without waiting for Central assistance. He also sought publication of a white paper on drought spending, downstream water releases and power purchases. He demanded that the government provide input subsidies to affected farmers, including tenant cultivators and farm hands. He also sought written, data-backed replies to all 23 questions in his letter before the sub-committee’s first meeting.