Telangana Forms Cabinet Panel to Tackle Drought and El Nino Effects

Telangana has formed a special Cabinet Sub-Committee to tackle drought caused by El Nino conditions across the State. Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka chaired the first meeting of this committee in Hyderabad on Friday to review water availability and relief measures.

Action Plan

The panel aims to prepare department-wise plans to protect water supplies for drinking and farming. Officials will also focus on ensuring steady electricity, farm support, and rural jobs. Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju stated that 358 mandals have already been provisionally identified as drought-affected due to low rainfall and poor crop coverage below 50 percent. District Collectors have received ₹1 crore each from emergency funds to handle the situation.

Official Instructions

Mr. Vikramarka directed officials to scientifically check drought levels and review areas where the impact crosses 20 percent. Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy told District Collectors to hold weekly reviews. Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao suggested sharing weekly reports on groundwater, heat, and other indicators with the public. Meanwhile, Minister D. Seethakka asked for special emergency funds of ₹7,000 crore for District Collectors and ITDA Project Officers to start drought work.

Context

El Nino is a natural climate pattern that often brings lower rainfall and hotter weather to parts of India, creating severe challenges for agriculture and water storage. State governments typically respond by assessing crop damage, releasing emergency funds, and managing water reserves to help rural communities get through dry months.