Telangana CM Warns of Severe Irrigation Water Crisis
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has warned of a severe water shortage during the upcoming Yasangi agricultural season, saying drinking water will take priority over irrigation. Addressing Congress legislators and party leaders on October 23, 2026, Reddy cautioned that drought conditions and the anticipated impact of El Niño could create serious water and electricity shortages over the next eight to ten months.
Telangana Water Crisis Threatens Yasangi Cultivation
Reddy warned that irrigation water would not be available between November 2026 and February 2027, urging farmers to avoid water-intensive crops such as paddy.
He said approximately 15 lakh of Telangana’s 30 lakh agricultural pump sets had already run dry, highlighting the severity of declining groundwater availability.
The Chief Minister cautioned that farmers investing in crops without assured irrigation could face substantial financial losses.
Revanth Reddy Warns of Electricity Shortages
The Chief Minister also expressed concern about electricity availability as drought conditions increase pressure on agricultural power demand.
He said attempts to purchase additional electricity had encountered supply constraints, making it difficult to guarantee sufficient power for agricultural operations.
Reddy urged government departments to conserve electricity by reducing unnecessary use of air conditioners, fans and other equipment.
Telangana Government Plans Drought Relief Measures
The government is preparing special employment programmes under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) following Sankranthi.
Proposed works include rural road improvements and clearing vegetation from irrigation feeder channels to generate employment in drought-affected areas.
Reddy also discussed paddy procurement, saying private traders were offering farmers ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 per quintal against the government’s combined procurement price of ₹2,900 for specified fine-rice varieties.
He directed elected representatives to maintain a presence in rural communities and raise awareness about water conservation.
The government has identified drinking water security, electricity management and rural employment as immediate priorities.
