El Niño Impact: Telangana Farmers Advised Against Yasangi Crop
Nizamabad, Oct 11 (TNT): Government Advisor and Bodhan MLA P. Sudarshan Reddy has appealed to farmers in Telangana not to cultivate a second crop during the upcoming Yasangi (Rabi) season in view of the shortage of irrigation water and electricity caused by the severe impact of El Niño.
He said the state was facing drought-like conditions as water levels in major reservoirs, lakes and tanks had declined considerably, along with groundwater levels.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Secretary and officials from various departments were reviewing the situation, particularly irrigation water availability and electricity supply.
In Nizamabad district, particularly in the Singur project area, available water was being reserved primarily for drinking purposes.
With electricity generation at the Nizamsagar and Sri Ram Sagar projects affected by inadequate water availability, Sudarshan Reddy urged farmers and the public to conserve water and use electricity judiciously.
He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supplies, prevent wastage and prepare plans to manage available resources beyond December 2026, when the Singur project was expected to have water only until then.
The Bodhan MLA instructed officials from the irrigation, agriculture and electricity departments, along with Mandal Parishad Development Officers and other concerned authorities, to form special committees through gram panchayats in every village.
The committees should create awareness among farmers and the public about the need to conserve water and electricity.
He warned that cultivating another crop without adequate water availability could worsen the situation and cause further hardship to farmers.
He also stressed that officials must take necessary measures to prevent the cultivation of a second crop under the prevailing circumstances.
Sudarshan Reddy said electricity generation had declined due to insufficient water in reservoirs, while the state was relying heavily on solar power.
He appealed to farmers and the public to cooperate with the government and concerned departments in managing the water and power crisis.
TNT TS
