Telangana Faces Water and Power Crisis Amid El Niño Warnings
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy warns of severe water and electricity shortages lasting until mid-2024 due to El Niño, urging conservation efforts.
CM Revanth Reddy predicts an 8-10 month crisis in water and power supply.
Farmers are advised to avoid rabi paddy cultivation to conserve resources.
A special employment scheme will be launched to assist laborers during the drought.
In a significant announcement, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has alerted citizens about an impending water and electricity crisis expected to last from now until July-August 2024, primarily due to the El Niño weather phenomenon. He urged residents to conserve water and electricity, emphasizing the need for restraint in power usage as the state braces for intensified drinking water shortages.
The Chief Minister highlighted that current reservoir levels are alarmingly low, with storage falling below 20% capacity. This situation leaves little room for irrigation, particularly for rabi crops like paddy. He has called on farmers to refrain from planting such crops to avoid financial losses and to prioritize the cultivation of rainfed crops only if they have reliable water sources.
During a meeting with government officials and party leaders, Revanth Reddy noted that nearly half of the state's agricultural pump sets are already dry, with projections indicating further depletion. He announced a special employment initiative set to launch around Sankranti in January, aimed at providing daily work opportunities for laborers affected by the drought. This program will be funded through both state and central resources to ensure food security for families.
The implications of this crisis extend beyond immediate water and power shortages, as the Chief Minister warned that the situation could escalate into a severe public health issue. He directed officials to monitor drinking water supplies closely and establish a toll-free number for residents to report issues. The government is also focusing on restoring essential infrastructure like roads and water bodies to mitigate the impact of the drought.
Looking ahead, the government plans to implement measures to manage the electricity demand, which has surged unexpectedly by 20%. Revanth Reddy criticized previous administrations for poor planning in energy projects and urged citizens to limit electricity use to essential needs while promoting solar energy solutions. The Chief Minister's proactive measures aim to navigate the challenges posed by El Niño and safeguard the state's resources for the upcoming months.
