El Nino-induced water and energy crisis likely to persist into July: Revanth

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy addressed ministers, MLAs and MLCs in Hyderabad on Friday on preparedness to deal with El Nino-related conditions.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has warned that Telangana could face a prolonged drinking water crisis till July next year due to the impact of El Nino affecting agricultural operations and increased electricity consumption.

Addressing a high-level meeting on the state’s preparedness to deal with El Nino-related conditions, Mr Revanth Reddy said on Friday that the government had been warning people about the impending situation for the past six months, but political opponents are now accusing the Congress government of “bringing drought to Telangana”.

El Nino is not limited to Telangana but is affecting countries like England and the United States and even states like Maharashtra where some regions have already introduced water rationing, he added.

The chief minister said the state could witness further deterioration in drinking water availability as temperatures rose and reservoirs and irrigation projects had limited water supplies. There is not even 200 tmc feet in the reservoirs and people should adapt to the situation like during the pandemic. High temperatures will prevail in summer, he said, warning people to be careful. He said that out of 30 million pumping sets, 15 million have already gone dry.

He emphasized that public representatives and officials should not hide the seriousness of the problem. The public should be informed about the challenges and the measures being taken to address them, otherwise they might believe the BRS propaganda.

The Chief Minister also warned that availability of electricity is becoming a serious problem. The state experienced a power demand of 20,000 MW compared to 13,000 MW recorded in undivided Andhra Pradesh during the same period. He asked consumers to avoid unnecessary consumption of electricity and water. In particular, government authorities should take measures to preserve power.

The CM also said that the government would make all efforts to ensure water for the subsequent kharif crop. However, farmers should make informed sowing decisions instead of being misled by political statements that could expose them to crop losses next season. He urged farmers to grow only rain-fed crops and vegetables in view of the depletion of water resources.

The CM announced that after Sankranti, a special scheme would be introduced for four months till May to ensure daily employment for the workers. “We must provide work to every individual and ensure that everyone has something to eat. This program must be carefully designed and implemented. ‘Kalajathas’ (cultural groups) should be organized to motivate farmers.” He also called for special measures to protect livestock, including sufficient feed and drinking water for the animals.

Representatives of CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers and MLAs were present.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 22:12 IST