Telangana CM to convene ministers on Oct 12 to tackle El Nino‑induced drought

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will convene a special meeting of ministers on Oct 12 to assess the El Nino‑linked rainfall shortfall and roll out relief for farmers. The state has recorded 17 % less rain than normal, leaving drought‑like conditions in about 235 mandals. The cabinet will review the situation in rain‑deficient areas, the challenges faced by cultivators and the urgent need for water and power supplies. Topics on the agenda include agriculture, irrigation, drinking‑water provision and the rising demand for electricity. The meeting follows a recent cabinet discussion on the same deficit and a legislative resolution urging the centre to declare the affected mandals and provide financial aid. Telangana has already asked the Union government for a special package of Rs. 20,000 crore to cope with the shortfall. Ministers are expected to examine the action plan prepared by the drought‑mitigation sub‑committee and consider inputs from political parties, farmers’ organisations and sector experts. The outcome will shape immediate interventions such as cash assistance, irrigation support and steps to stabilise power supply in the hardest‑hit regions.

Context

Drought‑prone mandals often rely on state schemes for irrigation and electricity; a central grant can speed up relief distribution and prevent crop loss.