17 out of 21 mandals in Telangana’s Khammam district drought hit, 12 mandals face fodder shortage

Twelve mandals in Telangana’s Khammam district are facing fodder shortage. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: RAO GN

As many as 17 out of 21 mandals in Khammam district recorded rainfall about 20% below normal, with 10 mandals facing severe drought and seven moderate droughts, according to preliminary assessments, District Collector Divakara TS said on Friday.

Talking to the media, he said that a detailed report has been submitted to the government.

Groundwater levels in the district have dropped from 2.5 meters below ground level during last year’s rainy season to 3.56 meters at present.

In Kamepalli, Yerrupalem, Sattupalli and Enkur mandals, the water table has dropped by 5 to 10 meters due to insufficient rainfall under El Nino conditions.

Despite a slight improvement after recent cyclone-induced rains, further depletion is expected in the coming weeks, he said.

The Collector urged farmers to avoid paddy cultivation during the ensuing Yasangi (rabi) season and opt for millets, pulses and other less water-intensive crops as available water will be prioritized for drinking purposes. Proposals have been made to ensure allocation of water from the Nagarjunasagar project to meet the drinking water needs of the district in the coming months.

Twelve mandals were also facing shortage of fodder. The administration was preparing to distribute fodder seeds as feeding shortages were expected to worsen over the next five months.

Published – 17 Oct 2026 11:33 IST