In a decisive move to safeguard Telangana from a potential drought-like situation, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday ordered top state officials to take proactive and immediate measures to secure the state’s legitimate share of water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers. The directive comes amid growing concerns over the impact of El Niño on the upcoming monsoon season.
Proactive Discussions with Neighboring States
Chairing a high-level review meeting on monsoon preparedness at the Secretariat, CM Revanth Reddy expressed apprehension that Telangana could face acute difficulties if upstream states—Maharashtra and Karnataka—release water only after filling their own reservoirs.
To prevent this, the Chief Minister has instructed the Irrigation Department to initiate advance discussions with both states. The goal is to ensure that Telangana receives its due share of inter-state river water on a pro-rata basis, a crucial step for the state’s agricultural and drinking water security.
Innovative Proposal: Power for Water from Koyna Dam
In a strategic move, CM Reddy directed the Chief Secretary, Ramakrishna Rao, to discuss a unique proposal with Maharashtra officials. Under this plan, Telangana would be allowed to utilize water from the Koyna Dam—currently used only for hydroelectric generation—in exchange for supplying electricity to Maharashtra. This “power-for-water” swap could provide a significant additional water source for Telangana.
Flood Management & Hydel Power Share
Further demonstrating a comprehensive water management strategy, the Chief Minister ordered officials to formulate a clear policy for diverting floodwaters from the Godavari and Pranahita rivers, turning potential hazards into usable resources.
Additionally, he sought a detailed report on Telangana’s rightful share of power generated from the Sileru and Tungabhadra projects, which were built during the united Andhra Pradesh era, ensuring the state claims all its due assets.
War Footing for Infrastructure & Disaster Preparedness
On infrastructure safety, Revanth Reddy was uncompromising, ordering that repair works to dam gates across the state be taken up on a war footing. He issued a strict warning of action against any officials found negligent during the monsoon. Finance officials confirmed that ₹300 crore has already been released for these critical maintenance works.
To handle potential calamities, the Chief Minister directed the utilization of the ₹1,000 crore Disaster Management corpus for emergency repairs of damaged roads, reconstruction of collapsed bridges, and other urgent works.
Supporting Farmers: Crop Diversification & AI-Based Outreach
Recognizing the link between water security and agriculture, the CM directed the Agriculture Department to guide farmers on crop rotation, crop diversification, and the cultivation of water-efficient crops through Rythu Vedikas (farmer outreach centers). In a modern twist, he suggested using AI-generated videos and television broadcasts to create widespread awareness.
To ensure a smooth kharif season, officials have been instructed to guarantee the timely supply of seeds and fertilizers. Furthermore, the state government will formally request the Centre to allocate the entire urea production from the Ramagundam factory exclusively to Telangana.
Focus on Hyderabad’s Monsoon Readiness
Addressing urban concerns, the Chief Minister directed civic bodies to immediately resolve water stagnation issues in Hyderabad. He emphasized seamless coordination between municipal and police authorities to manage the monsoon effectively.
Source: UNI