States » SouthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 8:36PM


Telangana Govt to identify drought-hit mandals by Oct 31; 358 provisionally listed

Hyderabad, Oct 23 (UNI) The Telangana government has decided to prepare comprehensive, department-wise action plans to tackle the anticipated drought due to El Niño, with priority to drinking water, irrigation, uninterrupted power supply, farmer support and rural employment.
The decision was taken at the first meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at the Secretariat on Friday. The committee resolved to identify and declare drought-affected mandals by October 31 and convene an all-party meeting soon to discuss the prevailing situation.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju said preliminary assessments had identified 358 mandals as potentially drought-affected, based on deficient rainfall and crop coverage below 50 per cent. He said 18 of the State’s 33 districts had recorded deficient rainfall, groundwater levels were concerning in 324 mandals, and reservoir storage stood at 170 TMC against a total capacity of 470 TMC. District collectors had already received Rs 1 crore each in emergency funds, he added.
Bhatti Vikramarka directed officials to scientifically assess drought conditions, identify vulnerable areas and take preventive measures rather than wait for the situation to worsen. He stressed the need to conserve available water, ensure uninterrupted electricity and coordinate with the Finance Department for emergency expenditure. Farmers should receive advance advice on alternative crops suited to water availability and weather conditions.
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy called for weekly reviews by district collectors and advised farmers against paddy cultivation amid water scarcity. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao emphasised public awareness of groundwater levels, water conservation and agricultural advisories, while Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Seethakka sought special emergency funds and employment support for rural communities.
Animal Husbandry Minister Vakiti Srihari stressed the need to provide drinking water for livestock and protect fish in shrinking village tanks. The meeting also discussed coordinated measures to ensure drinking water, timely assistance to farmers and effective implementation of drought-relief schemes.
The meeting was attended by ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Danasari Seethakka, Tummala Nageswara Rao and Vakiti Srihari, along with Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and senior departmental officials, according to an official statement.
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Tags: #Telangana Govt to identify drought-hit mandals by Oct 31; 358 provisionally listed
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