Bhatti seeks political consensus on drought preparedness

Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday said the Telangana government had already submitted a report to the Centre on the drought situation arising from the El Nino effect and was taking advance measures to tackle the challenges that may emerge in the coming months.

Addressing an all-party meeting chaired by him at the State Secretariat, Mr. Vikramarka said the government was assessing the prevailing conditions and preparing contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in both urban and rural areas. He said suggestions made by political parties on meeting the growing water requirements of urban centres would be considered, and all feasible measures would be taken after examining the recommendations received during the meeting.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government was also focusing on budgetary provisions and other arrangements required to ensure adequate drinking water facilities for people and livestock, particularly in rural areas. He noted that contingency plans had been prepared to prevent water shortages and minimise the impact of a possible drought.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the government would take decisions based on the evolving situation, guided by the advice of scientists and experts.

Stating that the rainfall deficit was not confined to Telangana but was also being witnessed in neighbouring States and other parts of the country, Mr. Vikramarka described the situation as a matter of concern. He said the government was formulating strategies to utilise available water resources efficiently, taking into account reservoir storage levels, while coordinating department-wise measures to address potential drought conditions.

Mr. Vikramarka said the government would take decisions based on the evolving situation, guided by the advice of scientists and experts. He assured that suggestions made by leaders of various political parties would be duly examined and incorporated wherever necessary.

“If required, the government is prepared to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to meet Union Ministers and seek the assistance needed for the State,” he said.

Recalling the collective efforts of governments and political parties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deputy Chief Minister called for a similar spirit of cooperation to address the present challenges. He urged political parties to place public welfare above political differences and extend constructive support to the government in tackling any emerging crisis.

Cabinet Sub-Committee members and Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Danasari Seethakka and Vakiti Srihari attended the meeting. Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and nodal officer Ramakrishna Rao were also present.

Representatives of various political parties, including B. Vinod Kumar and Singireddy Niranjan Reddy from BRS, Alleti Maheshwar Reddy from BJP and Asaduddin and Akbaruddin Owasi from AIMIM, participated in the meeting and offered suggestions on drought preparedness, measures to support farmers, and solutions to drinking water and irrigation-related issues.