El Nino effect: Make micro-level contingency plans to avoid drinking water and electricity shortages, says Telangana chief secretary

Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Monday (Oct 19, 2026) directed officials to map out micro-level contingency plans to avoid shortage of drinking water and electricity in view of the El Niño effect.

In a video conference held by the Supreme Leader on Monday (October 19, 2026) on prevailing weather conditions and measures being taken in the former districts, officials discussed groundwater levels, reservoir levels, electricity generation, alternative livelihood options for people and other entities.

Although power generation in the state is not encouraging, the government continues to supply power for agricultural and domestic needs. The Chief Secretary said the power cuts were not imposed on the industry and asked the unit management not to worry. Officials have been asked to take all necessary measures to ensure maximum power generation in all thermal power plants.

Permit only to deepen existing wells for drinking water

Special Chief Secretary to the Government Jayesh Ranjan said permission to drill new wells in Hyderabad should not be granted for construction or other activities. He said that currently permission is only granted for deepening of existing boreholes exclusively for drinking water needs. A senior official said treated sewage treatment plant (STP) water would be supplied to construction sites in the city through dial-a-green water tanker service.

Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj said that groundwater levels in Rangareddy district are falling significantly and alternative plans are being put in place to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water.

Palair reservoir needs to have 4 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water to provide drinking water to Mahabubabad, Khammam and Suryapet districts by June. However, it now has only 2 tmcft, said Anudeep Durishetty, special officer for Khammam district.

Published – 19 Oct 2026 19:47 IST