The Telangana government will hold an all-party meeting on the El Niño drought at the Secretariat on Wednesday, 28 October. Deccan Chronicle reports that Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will chair it. Drinking water, power for irrigation, alternative crops and water conservation are on the agenda.
Where things stand
- 358 mandals have been provisionally marked as drought-hit. The list goes to the Centre by 31 October.
- 18 of 33 districts have deficient rainfall. Groundwater is at a critical level in 324 mandals.
- Each district collector has been given ₹1 crore for emergency work.
- CM Revanth Reddy said rainfall is 27% below normal and the drought could last 8 to 10 months.
The government's case
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said the BRS-era Kaleshwaram project has left the state less able to cope. He said water cannot be lifted at Medigadda because the National Dam Safety Authority told the state to keep the gates open. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy asked the state's BJP MPs to press the Centre for funds.
The BRS's charge
Former minister G. Jagadishwar Reddy said the government ignored El Niño warnings for nine months. BRS spokesperson Ravula Sridhar said meetings and speeches on El Niño will not be enough. Opposition parties have not yet said whether they will attend.
