States » SouthPosted at: Sep 18 2026 8:34PM


Telangana Govt takes advance measures to tackle El Niño impact: Bhatti

Hyderabad, Sep 18 (UNI) Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday said the State government had taken advance measures across sectors to mitigate the impact of El Niño, with priority given to crop diversification, drinking water, electricity supply and rural employment.
Introducing resolutions in the Assembly, Bhatti said Telangana had recorded a 38 per cent rainfall deficit in August, with 543 mm of rainfall received against the normal 640 mm by September 18. The kharif cultivation area had declined to 123.74 lakh acres from 139.29 lakh acres last year, while paddy cultivation fell by around 18 per cent.
He said the government had started preparations as early as April in consultation with the IMD, agricultural university and experts. Special El Niño action plans were prepared for all 32 districts, while awareness programmes on alternative crops and low-water cultivation were conducted in 1,600 villages, benefiting more than two lakh farmers.
Bhatti said drinking water would remain the top priority for the next 11-12 months. Against a total reservoir capacity of 808 TMC, only 465 TMC was currently available. Water levels in 34 reservoirs supplying drinking water were being monitored daily, while contingency plans had been prepared for areas dependent on Singur reservoir.
He said rainfall deficiency had also pushed up electricity demand as farmers increasingly depended on borewells. Telangana recorded its highest-ever peak power demand of 19,543 MW at 10.41 am on September 9, against 15,585 MW on the corresponding day last year. Despite the pressure, the State had been able to meet the demand, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government was also strengthening rural employment and water conservation measures. During 2026-27 so far, 7.3 crore person-days of employment had been generated for 31.5 lakh workers from 21 lakh families, with Rs 2,100.53 crore paid directly as wages. The Telangana Jalasiri programme envisages 24 lakh recharge pits, 50,000 farm ponds, 12,000 percolation tanks and 12,000 borewell recharge structures.
Bhatti said the El Niño challenge required coordinated action by the Agriculture, Irrigation, Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Mission Bhagiratha, Animal Husbandry, Health, Power and Disaster Management departments.
He said the government's approach was to identify risks in advance, conserve water, protect drinking water supplies, advise farmers on alternative crops and ensure adequate power and employment.
UNI VV CDS
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