Telangana Minister Urges Priority for Drinking Water Amid El Nino-Induced Drought
Telangana's Irrigation Minister, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, has called for a comprehensive plan that prioritises drinking water over irrigation as the state grapples with the effects of El Nino. The phenomenon has weakened the southwest monsoon, leading to reduced rainfall across the country, including Telangana.
Speaking during a tour of Huzurnagar and Kodad constituencies in Suryapet district on Friday, Mr. Reddy urged farmers to remain alert during the ongoing Kharif season. He emphasised that water available in reservoirs must be used judiciously, with drinking water needs taking precedence before allocating water for irrigation.
The Minister advised farmers in areas with limited water availability to cultivate crops that require less water and can withstand higher temperatures, rather than water-intensive varieties. He encouraged them to monitor weather conditions closely and adapt their agricultural practices accordingly.
Mr. Reddy noted that a significant portion of the Godavari river basin lies in Maharashtra, which has received below-normal rainfall, delaying inflows into Telangana. Due to the El Nino effect, India recorded nearly 40% below-normal rainfall in the past month, making June one of the driest in recent years. Telangana itself experienced about 22% below-normal rainfall in June, impacting sowing operations across the state.
The state government is closely monitoring rainfall and water levels in reservoirs, and will take appropriate decisions based on the evolving situation.
Separately, D. Raji Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, advised farmers to opt for crops that require less water, such as vegetables, cereals, oilseeds, and pulses. Speaking at the 'Annual Action Plan' programme organised by 16 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Telangana, he noted that current dominant crops are not resilient to the rainfall fluctuations associated with El Nino. He urged farmers to consider eco-friendly and horticultural crops to mitigate the impact and potentially turn it into an opportunity.
