Groundwater critical in 324 mandals, Telangana prepares for drought

Telangana has preliminarily identified 358 drought-affected mandals, with critical groundwater levels in 324 and reservoir storage at 170 TMCft against 470 TMCft capacity. The government plans coordinated drought mitigation measures and will submit its list to the Centre by October 31

Hyderabad: The State government has preliminarily identified 358 mandals as drought-affected, with groundwater levels at critical levels in 324 mandals and reservoir storage plunging to 170 TMCft against a total capacity of 470 TMCft. The government has begun preparing a response to the El Niño threat following the conclusion of the southwest monsoon.

The Cabinet sub-committee, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, on Friday decided to identify drought-hit mandals and submit the list to the Centre by October 31. It also proposed convening an all-party meeting to discuss the drought and El Niño situation.

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Of the State’s 33 districts, 18 recorded deficient rainfall, while 15 received normal rainfall. The government preliminarily identified 358 mandals as drought-affected based on rainfall, crop coverage and other parameters.

The government had released Rs 1 crore to each district collector from emergency funds. However, the scale of the water crisis, particularly the precarious groundwater situation and depleted reservoir storage, calls for swift implementation of the proposed measures.

Bhatti Vikramarka directed departments to prepare coordinated action plans covering drinking water, irrigation, power supply, agriculture and rural employment. He stressed the need to scientifically identify vulnerable areas and ensure timely relief rather than respond after conditions deteriorate. He also directed officials to prepare for possible disruptions to power supply under El Niño conditions.

Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy asked district collectors to review drought mitigation measures every week and advised farmers against cultivating paddy in view of the water shortage.

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao called for weekly reports on groundwater levels and heat conditions to keep farmers and the public informed. He stressed the need to promote alternative crops suited to available water and weather conditions, conserve existing water resources and ensure drinking water for people and livestock.

Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Seethakka said drought-related works worth about Rs 7,000 crore were being undertaken in the State and sought special emergency funds for district collectors and ITDA project officers.

Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari said the government planned to release fishlings only into major reservoirs this year because of depleting water levels in irrigation tanks.