Hyderabad:The state government has convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday, October 28, to discuss the impact of El Nino, rainfall deficit and prevailing drought conditions in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will chair the meeting at the Secretariat.
The government has sought suggestions from political parties on measures to mitigate drought. Discussions will focus on drinking-water supply, conservation of water resources, power supply for irrigation, alternative crop planning and drought-prevention strategies.Preliminary assessments have identified 358 mandals as drought-affected, based on rainfall, crop coverage and other parameters. Of the state’s 33 districts, 18 have recorded deficient rainfall, while groundwater conditions are reported to be critical in 324 mandals.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the state received 27 per cent less rainfall than normal and warned that drought-like conditions could persist for eight to 10 months. He indicated that available water supplies would be prioritised for drinking-water needs.
The government has released Rs 1 crore each to district collectors as emergency funds and directed officials to prepare contingency plans for drinking water, crop protection, fodder availability and employment support in affected areas.
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