CM Revanth: Ensure TG’s Share in Krishna, Godavari in View of El Nino

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to ensure that Telangana secures its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari river waters in view of the possibility of drought conditions developing due to the El Nino phenomenon.

The Chief Minister said Telangana could face difficulties if upper riparian states continue the practice of releasing water only after filling their own reservoirs. Noting that drought-like conditions were also expected in Maharashtra and Karnataka, he instructed irrigation department officials to hold advance discussions with their counterparts in those states and formulate an action plan to ensure Telangana received its pro-rata share of interstate river waters.

The Chief Minister also asked Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao to discuss a water-for-power swap with Maharashtra — the possibility of Telangana utilising the water stored in the Koyna dam, which Maharashtra uses only for hydropower generation, and Telangana supplying the required electricity to that state.

During a meeting to review the government’s monsoon preparedness, Revanth Reddy observed that thousands of tmc ft of Godavari floodwaters flow into the sea every year within a short span and stressed the need for a clear policy on diverting floodwaters from both the Godavari and Pranahita rivers for productive use.

He further directed energy department officials to prepare a report on Telangana’s rightful share of power generated from the Sileru and Tungabhadra projects, which were constructed during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era.

The Chief Minister ordered that repairs and maintenance of gates in all reservoirs across the state be taken up on a war footing. Recalling the problems that arose at the Kadem Project in the past, he reviewed maintenance works and was informed by finance department officials that Rs 300 crore had been released for repairs and upkeep.

Revanth Reddy directed that additional funds be released immediately if required and warned that strict action would be taken against officials if any dam-related issues arise during the current monsoon season.

The Chief Minister instructed agriculture department officials to make crop planning decisions based on forecasts and reports issued by the Indian Meteorological Department. He emphasised creating awareness among farmers through Rythu Vedikas on crop diversification, crop rotation, cultivation of low-water-consuming crops and suitable crop varieties.

He suggested using AI-generated videos for awareness campaigns and directed officials to ensure related content is broadcast on television channels as well. He also called for adequate arrangements for the supply of seeds and fertilisers. Revanth Reddy announced that the state government would write to the Centre seeking allocation of the entire urea production from the Ramagundam fertiliser plant to Telangana.

Reviewing flood preparedness, the Chief Minister sought details on the implementation of assurances he had given during field visits to flood-affected areas in Kamareddy, Khammam and Warangal districts last year. He directed officials to submit a report detailing the promises made, their current status and reasons for any delays in implementation. He also ordered disciplinary action against officials found negligent in fulfilling those commitments.

Revanth Reddy stressed the need for immediate response during disasters involving loss of human lives, property or livestock. He instructed officials to promptly register FIRs and ensure compensation reaches affected families without delay in cases of deaths caused by heatwaves or floods. He also directed that the Rs 1,000 crore available with the disaster management department be utilised as per norms for repairing flood-damaged roads, constructing new bridges in place of collapsed ones and undertaking other restoration works.