Published Oct 11, 2026 | 1:31 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 11, 2026 | 1:31 PM
Of the more than 21,500 tanks monitored across the state, nearly 17,700 hold less than 50 percent of their storage capacity.
Synopsis: Telangana is facing drought-like conditions after the southwest monsoon recorded a 17 percent rainfall deficit, leaving irrigation tanks depleted, groundwater levels falling and 18 districts reporting deficient rainfall. Water shortages and rising electricity demand have disrupted farm irrigation, while several areas face difficulties in securing regular drinking water supplies. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prepare a coordinated action plan, conserve water and power and protect standing crops.
Telangana is facing one of its most challenging drought situations in recent years, as deficient monsoon rainfall due to El Niño has left large parts of the state grappling with water scarcity, stressed irrigation systems and rising pressure on electricity supply.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered officials to prepare a detailed action plan covering drinking water, irrigation, agriculture and power to manage the crisis over the coming months.
The southwest monsoon, which ended on 30 September, delivered about 615 mm of rainfall against a normal of roughly 740 mm, registering a shortfall of around 17 percent. Although the overall category remained within the normal range according to meteorological classifications, 18 of the state’s 33 districts recorded deficient rainfall.
Drought-like conditions have been identified in approximately 215 to 235 mandals, with some assessments placing the number of severely affected mandals even higher across 18 districts. These areas span multiple regions and have raised serious concerns over crop losses, reduced rural incomes and the livelihoods of farming communities dependent on timely irrigation.
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Minor irrigation tanks, a critical source of water for agriculture and groundwater recharge, reflect the severity of the situation. Of the more than 21,500 tanks monitored across the state, nearly 17,700 held less than 50 percent of their storage capacity as of early October. Close to 13,000 tanks had either dried up completely or retained less than a quarter of their normal water levels.
Total storage in these tanks had dropped to about 94 tmc ft against a combined capacity of nearly 254 tmc ft. Major and medium reservoirs in the Krishna basin also show sharply reduced live storage compared with the previous year, with several key projects approaching or reaching dead storage levels.
Inflows into both the Krishna and Godavari river systems have remained weak, further limiting water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Groundwater levels have declined by an average of more than 2 metres in many regions, increasing dependence on deeper borewells and adding significantly to electricity demand. Farmers in districts such as Siddipet, Medak and Nalgonda have reported irregular three-phase power supply, often limited to fewer than eight hours a day, accompanied by low voltage that damages pump motors.
In several locations, cultivators have organised protests and sit-ins at substations, demanding a consistent and reliable power supply to protect standing crops that require timely watering. The combination of low surface water levels and unreliable electricity has created a difficult cycle for agricultural operations at a critical stage of the season.
Electricity demand has climbed to record highs, peaking near 19,900 MW. The surge is attributed largely to intensified agricultural pumping during the dry spell. While the state has managed to meet overall demand so far, officials have acknowledged that power availability in the open market is limited.
Residents in several urban and rural areas have already reported difficulties in accessing regular drinking water supplies, with some towns and villages relying more heavily on Mission Bhagiratha schemes, additional borewells and alternative sources as surface water dwindles.
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The Chief Minister has directed departments to ensure careful use of available electricity, explore the temporary postponement of power-intensive activities where possible, and continuously monitor supply arrangements to minimise disruptions for domestic, agricultural and industrial consumers. Senior officers in the Chief Minister’s Office have been instructed to monitor the power situation closely on a daily basis.
On the water front, the government has instructed officials to assess the condition of standing crops and take steps to ensure water availability until the harvest is completed. Special emphasis has been placed on preventing further deterioration of the water situation and conserving every available drop.
Plans include launching a public awareness campaign on the impacts of El Niño through television channels, cinema halls and cultural programmes to encourage community participation in conservation efforts.
The state has already adopted a resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking central recognition of the drought-affected mandals and requesting adequate financial assistance, including a special package of ₹20,000 crore.
Additional measures under consideration include seeking an extension of employment days under the rural job guarantee scheme beyond the standard allocation to support affected households during this difficult period.
A special Cabinet meeting reviewed the overall drought situation, examined relief measures proposed by the Cabinet sub-committee and finalised further interventions. Inputs from political parties, farmers’ organisations and subject experts are expected to be considered.
The Chief Minister has described the next eight months as critical for managing the emerging challenges related to drinking water, irrigation and power. Officials have been told to involve the public as partners in implementing the action plan and to prepare contingency measures that anticipate problems rather than respond after they escalate.
Authorities maintain that all possible steps will be taken to protect essential supplies for citizens and farmers. The simultaneous strain on both water and energy systems remains under close watch as the state works to mitigate the effects of the rainfall deficit and prepare for the months ahead.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
