Telangana CM Urges Farmers to Skip Rabi Paddy to Save Drinking Water
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has asked farmers to avoid rabi cultivation this season, especially paddy, to protect drinking water and power supplies through a looming shortage linked to weak rainfall during the El Niño. Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad on October 15 after an informal Cabinet meeting, he asked people to conserve water and electricity for the next eight to ten months.
A Shortfall In Rain And Reservoirs
Rainfall in the state is more than 20 per cent below normal, and reservoirs hold less than half of their usual storage for this time of year, according to figures cited by the Chief Minister. Deccan Chronicle reported that water availability was 72 per cent lower in the Krishna basin and 40 per cent lower in the Godavari basin.
“Water cannot be purchased like other commodities. We must save every drop,” Reddy said. He described the El Niño as worse than anything seen in decades. The World Meteorological Organization has forecast that the current event could become the strongest since observations began in 1950, peaking around December.
Steps Announced By The State
The government said it is buying electricity from the market to protect standing kharif crops that are about 20 days from harvest. Power demand reached 20,003 MW on Thursday, against a normal October requirement of about 15,000 MW. Repairs to tanks and ponds are being prioritised, along with plans for drinking water, fodder and support for poor families.
Reddy said he would lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in the first week of November to seek central assistance, including for farmers who skip the rabi season. A toll-free number and an awareness campaign are also planned.
Why It Matters For Farmers And Families
For farmers, skipping a paddy crop means giving up a season’s income, which is why the request for central compensation will be closely watched. Paddy nurseries sown without assured water could dry up, the Chief Minister warned, adding to losses. Earlier IPB coverage showed how much delayed water releases affect delta farmers in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
For households in towns and cities, the appeal signals possible pressure on drinking water and electricity supply through the summer. The state has also faced severe heat in past years, which raises demand further.
An all-party meeting is planned after Dasara. Whether farmers accept the appeal will depend largely on the support the state and the Centre are able to offer for a lost season.
Based on reporting by Deccan Chronicle and Down To Earth.
Image: IPB.
