Telangana Rain Deficit: Minister Urges Judicious Crop Planning

Telangana's Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has cautioned farmers to plan their crops judiciously as the state continues to face a rainfall deficit. Speaking after reviewing irrigation works in Suryapet district, the Minister warned that the situation could worsen if rainfall remains deficient in September and October.

Referring to the monsoon outlook, Mr. Reddy said that indications of deficient rainfall in the coming two months must be factored into agricultural and water-management decisions. The ongoing deficit has affected inflows into major reservoirs, including Nagarjuna Sagar, making prudent management of available water essential.

The Minister assured that the government would maintain a judicious balance between irrigation and drinking-water requirements. He emphasised the need for a two-pronged approach: accelerating permanent irrigation infrastructure while conserving and carefully allocating currently available water.

Addressing concerns about climate patterns, Mr. Reddy explained that El Niño is a global climatic phenomenon, not limited to Telangana. He urged stakeholders to understand larger climatic conditions and plan according to the water actually available. The Minister was reviewing the progress of the Mahatma Gandhi Muktyala Branch Canal Lift Irrigation Scheme, designed to strengthen irrigation security in areas dependent on the Krishna river system.

According to a press note, the project is expected to provide irrigation to about 53,000 acres across Mattampalli, Mellacheruvu and Chintalapalem mandals, benefiting nearly 19,297 families. The government's focus remains on sustainable water management as the state navigates a challenging monsoon season.