Hyderabad, October 2026 : Telangana is bracing for a potentially severe water and power crisis due to the impact of an unprecedented El Niño phenomenon, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy warning that the next nine to ten months could be particularly challenging for the state.
With reservoir levels falling, rainfall remaining deficient and electricity demand surging, the Chief Minister has appealed to farmers to consider postponing the upcoming Yasangi (Rabi) cropping season to safeguard drinking water supplies. He also urged citizens to conserve water and electricity, cautioning that the government must prioritise essential needs amid the deteriorating situation.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday after a meeting with ministers to review the anticipated impact of El Niño, Revanth Reddy said Telangana was facing an extraordinary situation that required collective action beyond political differences.
Reservoir levels fall sharply
The Chief Minister said water availability in the state's reservoirs had declined significantly compared with the corresponding period last year. He cited a 72 per cent reduction in water availability in reservoirs in the Krishna basin and said the state had recorded a 23 per cent rainfall deficit during the monsoon.
According to Revanth Reddy, Telangana would ordinarily have approximately 462 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water in its reservoirs at this time of the year. However, the current availability stands at only around 200 TMC.
“This is an unprecedented moment of crisis for all of us,” he said, stressing that the available water would have to be managed carefully.
The state needs to ensure drinking water supplies to approximately 24,000 villages, alongside meeting the requirements of agriculture and livestock. The Chief Minister said no reservoir had sufficient water to comfortably meet both drinking and irrigation requirements, making judicious consumption essential.
He warned that crops spread across nearly 10 lakh acres could suffer damage during the ongoing Vanakalam (Kharif) season despite efforts to prevent them from withering. With the harvest expected in about 20 days, the government is purchasing electricity at prevailing market rates to protect standing crops.
Farmers urged to reconsider Rabi cultivation
Revanth Reddy appealed to farmers to defer the Yasangi cropping season in view of the anticipated water shortage. He said protecting drinking water supplies must remain a priority and urged agricultural communities to use irrigation water cautiously.
The government is also concerned about the availability of fodder and drinking water for livestock. The Chief Minister warned that a prolonged shortage could result in significant animal losses if adequate measures were not taken.
He called on people to avoid unnecessary water consumption, specifically urging households and businesses not to waste water on activities such as washing vehicles.
The government is preparing an action plan to repair tanks, lakes and ponds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The initiative is intended to strengthen local water storage and improve the state's preparedness for the difficult months ahead.
Electricity demand rises to 20,003 MW
The water crisis is being compounded by an unprecedented rise in electricity consumption. Revanth Reddy said power demand had climbed to 20,003 megawatts (MW), compared with the usual level of around 15,000 MW for October.
He attributed the increase of approximately 5,000 MW largely to the extensive use of agricultural pump sets. Telangana has around 30 lakh agricultural pump sets operating across the state.
Higher temperatures, similar to those typically experienced in March, have also increased electricity consumption in the domestic sector, he said.
The Chief Minister urged consumers to use electricity responsibly, warning that the state would need to manage power supplies carefully while continuing to support farmers and protect standing crops.
Centre's assistance sought for affected farmers
Revanth Reddy called on the Central Government to provide financial assistance to farmers who suffer crop losses and those who may be compelled to skip the next cropping season because of water shortages.
He announced that Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka would convene an all-party meeting after Dasara to explain the situation and discuss the response required.
The Chief Minister will subsequently lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to meet the Union Home Minister and other Central ministers, seeking assistance for Telangana.
He appealed to political parties, the media and citizens to cooperate with the state government in preparing for the anticipated crisis.
‘Save Water, Save Power’ campaign planned
Describing El Niño as a global challenge intensified by climate change, Revanth Reddy said scientists and experts had warned about its possible consequences, and the state must now prepare for the impact.
He compared the situation to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying a natural disaster of this scale required people to work together rather than engage in political confrontation.
“When a natural disaster strikes us, it is everyone's duty to come together. We have to think beyond politics and join our hands in mission mode, so no one is left behind,” he said.
“Save Water, Save Power. This is our magic mantra,” he added.
The government plans to deploy cultural troupes, known as kala jathas, to spread awareness about water and electricity conservation. Revanth Reddy said actor Vijay Deverakonda had already appealed to the public regarding El Niño, and the government would seek support from other film actors, sportspersons and artists.
The Chief Minister said public participation, careful resource management and support from the Centre would be crucial as Telangana prepares for what could be a prolonged period of water and power stress.
