Hyderabad, July 22 (RAHNUMA): The Telangana Government’s newly constituted 27-member Expert Committee on El Niño preparedness held its first meeting on Wednesday at Praja Bhavan, resolving to prepare a comprehensive State-level contingency action plan to mitigate the impact of the prevailing rainfall deficit on agriculture, water resources and allied sectors.
Chairing the meeting, Telangana State Planning Board Vice Chairman G Chinna Reddy said the State has recorded a 30 percent rainfall deficit since June 1, with 23 districts experiencing deficient rainfall, despite earlier expectations of a normal southwest monsoon.
The committee, comprising experts from IMD, ICRISAT, ICAR-CRIDA, NABARD, agricultural universities and other research institutions, reviewed scientific assessments of El Niño, rainfall trends and climate projections to formulate evidence-based adaptation strategies.
Chinna Reddy said district and mandal-wise weather, rainfall and crop data have been compiled following Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s directive to prepare timely mitigation measures. He stressed the need for scientific crop planning, water conservation, responsible use of natural resources and public participation to address climate challenges.
The panel discussed measures including crop diversification, promotion of drought-tolerant crops such as millets, efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and strengthening agricultural extension services.
Irrigation Secretary E Sridhar warned that reservoir inflows in the Godavari and Krishna basins remain well below normal, while Energy Special Chief Secretary Navin Mittal highlighted concerns over reduced hydropower generation and rising electricity demand. Forest officials also cautioned about increased stress on ecosystems and wildlife due to prolonged dry spells.
Director of Agriculture Gopi said groundwater levels have fallen by nearly one metre compared to last year and indicated that paddy acreage is likely to decline, with farmers expected to shift towards pulses, oilseeds, millets and other less water-intensive crops.
IMD scientist Dr. Stella informed the committee that El Niño is likely to intensify from moderate to strong levels in the coming months, with below-normal rainfall expected across much of Telangana during the remainder of the monsoon and an increased risk of severe summer heatwaves next year.
The committee will submit recommendations for climate-resilient agriculture, water management and disaster preparedness to help the State minimise the impact of the evolving El Niño conditions.
