Telangana declares 365 mandals drought-affected for Vanakalam 2026

Telangana has declared 365 mandals across 31 districts drought-affected for Vanakalam 2026. The State recorded a 17 per cent rainfall deficit, while paddy cultivation and crop area declined. The Assembly has sought central assistance, additional employment and a Rs. 20,000-crore relief package

Hyderabad: The State government has declared 365 mandals across 31 districts drought-affected for the Vanakalam 2026 season. The notification will remain in force for six months. Orders to this effect were issued on Saturday.

Of the 365 mandals, 111 have been classified as severely drought-affected and 254 as moderately drought-affected. The remaining mandals will continue to be monitored by the State Drought Monitoring Cell. They may be included in the list through a supplementary notification if conditions warrant.

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The State government attributed the situation to adverse conditions during the Southwest Monsoon 2026. These included emerging and strengthening El Niño conditions, weak low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and prolonged dry spells.

The State received 615.5 mm of cumulative rainfall between June 1 and September 30, against the normal of 740.6 mm. This represents a 17 per cent deficit.

The Vanakalam crop area declined in 18 of the State’s 33 districts, from 139.28 lakh acres to 126.06 lakh acres. Paddy cultivation fell by 18 per cent, from 69.19 lakh acres to 57 lakh acres.

Live storage in major and medium reservoirs stood at 179.63 tmcft against a total capacity of 585 tmcft. The shortfall has raised concerns over drinking water supplies, agriculture, livestock and power generation.

On September 18, the State Assembly passed a resolution urging the Central government to send a team to assess the drought situation. It also sought assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), the release of the Centre’s share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), and support for crop losses and input subsidies. Other requests included drinking water, fodder, groundwater development and restoration of water bodies.

The Assembly also sought 50 additional days of employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme, with the Central government bearing the entire cost. Its demands included additional fertilisers, 1,500 MW of extra power and a special drought-relief package of Rs. 20,000 crore.

The resolution further sought an increase in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) borrowing limit from 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2026-27. The State also requested additional assistance under Central and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, with norms relaxed to address the drought situation.