HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has identified the impact of El Niño as a serious concern and is preparing measures to address potential shortages of drinking water and electricity, as well as protect agricultural interests.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is expected to appeal to farmers across the state not to sow rabi crops in view of the prevailing conditions.
Revanth Reddy reviewed the situation at a meeting with senior officials at his residence in Jubilee Hills on October 10. He considered field-level reports submitted by officials from various departments before arriving at the decision to urge farmers to refrain from sowing during the rabi season.
Government weighs water and power shortages
The chief minister is expected to explain the situation to farmers and caution them against sowing crops when water and electricity supplies are under strain.
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"Water is not available even for drinking, and electricity is not available even if one is willing to buy it. If crops are sown under these circumstances, the situation could become much worse," the report quoted the chief minister as saying.
The government plans to provide the required number of workdays and additional ration supplies to help people cope with the situation.
Statewide video conference planned with farmers
The chief minister was originally scheduled to meet ministers on October 12 to discuss the El Niño situation. However, the meeting was postponed because Revanth Reddy, MPs and other senior leaders were expected to attend a Congress protest organised by the All India Congress Committee in Delhi on the same day.
The meeting with ministers is expected to be held shortly. On that day, the chief minister plans to address farmers across Telangana through a statewide video conference at Rythu Vedikas, the farmers' meeting centres.
Centre to be approached for 1,500 MW power
The government will request the Centre to provide 1,500 megawatts of electricity from the common pool. It has also proposed compensation for farmers in a 60:40 ratio, though the report does not specify the parties or components to which the ratio applies.
The government has decided to focus on protecting kharif crops and setting up committees at village and state levels. It will also undertake awareness programmes to encourage people to use electricity and water judiciously.
The decisions emerged from a high-level meeting chaired by Revanth Reddy to review the impact of El Niño and consider measures to manage the situation.