El Nino weather pattern hits Telangana hard with severe heat and low water

UPDATE - follow-up to El Nino impact severe, will be at peak till February: Telangana Chief Secretary: Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju reports that the El Nino weather pattern is causing severe impacts across the state, with peak conditions expected to last until February.

Water and Crops

Temperatures have risen by two to three degrees Celsius and the southwest monsoon has taken a hit. Groundwater levels have dropped sharply, meaning pumps may run dry even when electricity is on. Authorities have ordered departments to work together to save standing crops over the next fifteen to twenty days.

Action Plans

Water levels are also down in the Singur and Manjeera projects. The Chief Secretary plans to meet officials to make backup plans for drinking water in Hyderabad, Medak, Sangareddy, Nizamabad, and Kamareddy.

Context

El Nino is a natural climate cycle that warms surface waters in the Pacific Ocean, often leading to reduced rainfall and higher temperatures in parts of India. State governments typically respond to such water stress by restricting non-essential uses and prioritizing household supply over agriculture.