Telangana Faces Risk of Water Crisis Due to El Niño Effects

Hyderabad, October 12: Telangana is facing growing concerns over a possible water crisis as the effects of El Niño and deficient monsoon rainfall continue to put pressure on major reservoirs across the state. Falling water levels have raised fears not only about irrigation requirements but also about the availability of drinking water in the coming months.

Reduced rainfall has affected inflows into major water projects along the Krishna and Godavari river systems. Important reservoirs, including Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Singur and Sriram Sagar, have recorded significantly lower storage levels compared with the corresponding period last year.

Groundwater levels have also declined in several districts, increasing pressure on agricultural activities and rural drinking water sources. Farmers are concerned that continued dry conditions could affect water availability for the upcoming Rabi cultivation season.

The Telangana government has directed departments to prepare contingency measures to address the emerging situation. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to



formulate a comprehensive action plan covering drinking water, irrigation, agriculture and electricity requirements through the coming summer.

Concerns have also increased over Hyderabad's drinking water security, particularly because important sources such as Singur and Nagarjuna Sagar are experiencing reduced storage and inflows.

The Irrigation Department faces the challenge of balancing limited water resources between agricultural needs and domestic consumption. Authorities have emphasised the importance of prioritising drinking water while taking measures to protect standing crops and farmers' livelihoods.

Water management experts have called for careful conservation, continuous monitoring of reservoirs, protection of groundwater resources and the development of alternative supply arrangements.

They warn that prolonged dry conditions could worsen shortages in several districts unless rainfall improves or effective contingency measures are implemented.

However, officials have not announced any complete shutdown of Hyderabad's drinking water supply. Residents have been urged to avoid unverified reports and follow official advisories while using water responsibly.