Hyderabad: El Niño action plan should guide all departments in tackling possible drought conditions, Revenue, Housing, Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said on Tuesday. He directed officials to implement contingency measures in mission mode as Telangana is likely to receive below-normal rainfall.
Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, who is also in charge of the erstwhile Warangal district, chaired a high-level review meeting at the Hanumakonda Collectorate. Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar joined the review. Officials assessed drought conditions, the impact of El Niño and contingency measures.
State Finance Commission Chairman Sirisilla Rajaiah, Government Whip Dr Jatoth Ramchandra Naik, MLC Basavaraju Saraiah, MLAs, district collectors and senior officials attended the meeting.
Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy directed all departments to work in close coordination. Further, he instructed officials to implement contingency plans effectively at the field level. He said the government had appointed Special Officers for every erstwhile district to monitor drought conditions.
Senior IAS officer Devasena will monitor the erstwhile Warangal district. Accordingly, she will submit regular reports on agriculture, drinking water availability, groundwater levels and drought conditions. The State Government will compile those reports. It will then submit a consolidated report to the Centre seeking assistance.
El Niño action plan prioritises farmers and water supply
The Minister directed Agriculture Department officials to encourage farmers to cultivate crops that require less water instead of paddy and cotton. In addition, he asked officials to create awareness about measures to tackle the increasing monkey menace affecting crops.
Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy instructed officials to operate the Devadula Lift Irrigation Project at full capacity every day. Meanwhile, he directed engineers to rectify technical faults within 24 hours. He said drinking water supply through the project should receive top priority. The government, he added, would provide the required funds. He also instructed the Irrigation Department and Devadula project authorities to work under the supervision of the Mulugu District Collector.
The Minister assured farmers and the public that there was no need for panic. However, he said the government would continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary measures.
Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar asked officials to prepare farmers to shift from paddy to crops that require less water. Further, he directed the Agriculture Department to conduct extensive awareness campaigns. He also encouraged farmers to cultivate commercially viable alternatives such as lemongrass.
Ponnam Prabhakar stressed the need to protect livestock. Additionally, he directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water and fodder. He also instructed them to prepare detailed reports on water storage, groundwater levels and drinking water requirements. He said coordinated planning by all departments would minimise hardship for the public.