Telangana El Niño Crisis Meeting Ends Without Roadmap

Hyderabad, Oct. 29: The Telangana government’s all-party meeting on the El Niño-related drought crisis ended without a concrete action plan or clear timelines for farmer relief, drawing criticism from Opposition parties. Leaders questioned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s absence from the meeting and demanded urgent measures to address crop losses and water shortages.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at the State Secretariat on Wednesday. The Cabinet sub-committee sought suggestions from political parties on drinking water, irrigation and power supply. However, participants said the meeting did not provide clear assurances on crop-loss compensation, Yasangi (Rabi) cultivation or Rythu Bharosa financial assistance.

Here To Join Us On WhatsApp

Telangana El Niño Crisis Meeting Faces Opposition Criticism

BRS leaders alleged that the government had responded too late to the drought, with crops reportedly affected across nearly 24.3 lakh acres, according to figures cited at the meeting. They questioned the utilisation of available water resources and demanded a clear strategy to mitigate the crisis.

Former minister S. Niranjan Reddy questioned the proposal to declare a crop holiday during the Rabi season, particularly in view of earlier rainfall deficits. He also sought explanations on the use of Krishna River water, Rythu Bharosa payments, power generation from the Yadadri thermal plant and assistance for people dependent on agriculture and allied sectors.

BRS leaders B. Vinod Kumar and L. Ramana argued that better management of Godavari and Krishna river waters could have reduced the impact of the crisis. Citing estimates that around 750 TMC feet of Godavari water and 200 TMC feet of Krishna water had flowed into Andhra Pradesh, they questioned why Telangana had not conserved and utilised more of these resources.

The Opposition demanded compensation of ₹50,000 per acre for crop losses, with ₹25,000 each from the State and Central governments. Leaders also sought clarity on disaster-relief funds and contingency measures for the coming months.

Here To Join Us On WhatsApp

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and party floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi submitted a representation seeking immediate steps to protect agriculture, maintain power supply and ensure drinking water availability. They also raised concerns over declining reservoir storage and called for contingency arrangements to prevent interruptions in water supply.

Responding to the concerns, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government had submitted a drought report to the Centre and would seek additional assistance. He said an all-party delegation could approach the Centre if required.

The Deputy Chief Minister added that the government had consulted experts, formed a committee to study El Niño and was preparing contingency plans covering drinking water, water for livestock, fodder availability and efficient use of reservoir stocks. He assured Opposition leaders that their suggestions would be examined.

Despite these assurances, the meeting ended without a detailed drought-relief roadmap or specific timelines for the major measures demanded by the Opposition.