Revanth Reddy Directs Officials to Secure Telangana’s Share of Krishna and Godavari Waters Amid Drought Concerns

Hyderabad, June 2026 : Anticipating a challenging monsoon season due to the continuing impact of the El Niño phenomenon, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to take proactive measures to safeguard the state’s share of Krishna and Godavari river waters. Stressing the importance of water security for agriculture and drinking purposes, he warned that Telangana could face serious difficulties if upstream states retain water until their reservoirs are completely filled before releasing flows downstream.

The Chief Minister issued the directions during a high-level review meeting held at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat to assess preparedness for the upcoming rainy season and agricultural operations.

Expressing concern over forecasts indicating prolonged drought conditions in parts of southern and western India, Revanth Reddy pointed out that neighbouring states Maharashtra and Karnataka may also experience water stress. He instructed irrigation department officials to initiate discussions with their counterparts in both states and develop a coordinated strategy to ensure Telangana receives its rightful and proportionate share of interstate river waters.

In particular, the Chief Minister asked Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao to engage with Maharashtra authorities on the issue of water utilisation from the Koyna Dam. He suggested exploring the possibility of Telangana using the entire volume of water currently allocated for hydropower generation from the project while supplying the required electricity back to Maharashtra through an alternative arrangement.

Highlighting the vast but underutilised potential of the Godavari River, Revanth Reddy observed that thousands of TMCs of water continue to flow into the sea annually without being effectively harnessed. He also noted that floodwaters from the Godavari and Pranahita rivers often arrive within a short period, making efficient storage and diversion critical. The Chief Minister called for the formulation of a comprehensive policy to maximise the utilisation of floodwaters and improve long-term water management.

The meeting also focused on the safety and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure. Revanth Reddy directed officials to undertake repairs of dam gates and related structures across the state on a war footing before the monsoon intensifies. Recalling the difficulties experienced at the Kadam Project in previous years, he sought detailed updates on maintenance work being carried out at major reservoirs.

Officials from the Finance Department informed the meeting that Rs 300 crore had already been sanctioned for repair and maintenance activities. However, the Chief Minister made it clear that financial constraints should not hinder critical infrastructure work. He instructed authorities to release additional funds whenever required and warned that strict action would be taken against officials if any dam-related issues arise during the rainy season.

On the agricultural front, Revanth Reddy directed the Agriculture Department to align crop planning with weather forecasts and scientific assessments. He emphasised the need to create awareness among farmers through Rythu Vedikas about crop diversification, crop shifting, drought-resistant varieties, and low-water-consuming crops. He also suggested leveraging Artificial Intelligence-based educational videos and television broadcasts to reach farmers across the state with timely information and guidance.

The Chief Minister further stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate supply of seeds and fertilisers to support farmers during the sowing season.

Reviewing flood preparedness, Revanth Reddy sought updates on assurances made during his visits to flood-affected districts such as Kamareddy, Khammam, and Warangal last year. He instructed officials to expedite pending works and ensure all commitments are implemented effectively.

Special attention was also given to urban flood management in the Greater Hyderabad region. The Chief Minister reiterated the need to address waterlogging issues and reviewed progress on plans to develop water harvesting wells in 141 identified flood-prone locations. He directed senior official Jayesh Ranjan to closely monitor the execution of pending projects and conduct regular reviews.

Concluding the meeting, Revanth Reddy instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure that Telangana remains free from drinking water shortages, even if drought conditions persist. He emphasised that both urban and rural regions must be equipped to handle water-related challenges throughout the year, with Hyderabad receiving particular attention due to its growing population and increasing demand for water resources.