Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to address possible El Niño-related weather impacts and drought conditions over the next eight months. The plan will focus on protecting people, crops and essential services.
Officials have been asked to ensure drinking water supply, irrigation and water security for standing crops, while preventing the wastage of water. The Chief Minister also called for electricity conservation amid the possibility of shortages and asked officials to explore deferring power-intensive activities where feasible.
The government plans to launch statewide public awareness campaigns after Dasara. Officials were also directed to address drought-like conditions reported in 215 mandals.
Telangana has sought a ₹20,000 crore special package from the Centre to respond to the situation. The state has also requested 50 additional employment days beyond the existing 125 days under the VB-G RAM G scheme.
The Chief Minister called for a war room and toll-free helpline to monitor conditions in real time. A special meeting with ministers will review the situation and consider further measures, including the possibility of an all-party meeting.
Senior officials who attended the review included MP Vem Narender Reddy, Government Adviser K. Ramakrishna Rao, Chief Secretary Sanjay and Telangana Director General of Police C. V. Anand.
