CM Revanth Reddy Calls for Action Plan to Tackle El Niño Impact in Telangana
At a review meeting with senior officials at his Jubilee Hills residence, the Chief Minister stressed the need for advance planning and precautionary measures to minimise the impact of adverse weather conditions and rainfall deficits.
He called for widespread public awareness campaigns on El Niño and its potential consequences, to be conducted from the village level to the state level through television channels, cinema halls and cultural troupes.
Officials were asked to organise awareness programmes after the Dussehra festival.
The Chief Minister cautioned that power shortages could intensify in the coming months, noting that electricity availability in the market was limited.
While assuring that the government was prepared to spend the necessary funds to procure power, he stressed the need for its judicious use and suggested postponing electricity-intensive activities wherever possible.
On agriculture, Revanth Reddy directed officials to assess standing crops and ensure adequate water supply until the harvest was completed.
He emphasised the need to prevent wastage of water and take advance measures to address potential shortages.
The Chief Minister announced that a special meeting with ministers would be convened soon to discuss the impact of El Niño, the rainfall deficit, difficulties faced by farmers and measures required in areas experiencing low rainfall.
He said around 215 mandals in the state were facing drought-like conditions.
The state government had adopted a resolution in the Assembly urging the Centre to declare the affected areas drought-hit, provide adequate financial assistance and sanction a special package of Rs. 20,000 crore.
Revanth Reddy also directed officials to appeal to the Centre for an additional 50 days of employment under the employment guarantee scheme, over and above the existing provision of 125 days.
The state government was prepared to facilitate the additional employment, he said.
The Chief Minister suggested establishing a dedicated ‘war room’ to continuously monitor the situation and a toll-free helpline to address public concerns.
He also instructed senior officials in the Chief Minister’s Office to closely monitor power supply arrangements.
Government Advisor Ramakrishna Rao, MP Vem Narendar Reddy, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Director General of Police CV Anand and other senior officials attended the meeting.
TNT TS
