CM Revanth Reddy Directs Officials to Ensure Uninterrupted Power, Water Supply

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prepare for possible drought conditions triggered by El Niño and ensure uninterrupted supplies of drinking water and electricity across the state. During a review meeting on Wednesday, he assessed the rainfall deficit and district-wise conditions, stressing that advance planning was essential to protect farmers and prevent hardships for the public.

The Chief Minister expressed strong displeasure over recurring power interruptions in several areas and warned that negligence would invite strict disciplinary action. He said even senior officials, including the Special Chief Secretary and the chairman and managing director of the state power generation corporation, could face suspension if they failed to discharge their responsibilities.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, Revanth Reddy said the next 20 days would be critical for standing crops and instructed officials to ensure electricity was available until harvesting was completed. He directed them to identify areas with high agricultural power demand and increase supply accordingly. The Chief Minister questioned why interruptions continued despite previous instructions to protect crops and demanded clear explanations for the disruptions.

He also sought answers on why electricity generation had not been increased despite the possibility of shortages. Referring to coal supply arrangements through the Naini and Mahanadi coal blocks, he questioned why the Yadadri Thermal Power Station was not generating electricity at full capacity. He instructed officials to maximise production and strengthen distribution to prevent supply disruptions.

On water management, the Chief Minister called for greater conservation and efficient utilisation of available resources. He directed officials to use treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Hyderabad for construction and other non-drinking purposes, reducing pressure on drinking water supplies. Departments were asked to prepare practical plans to ensure adequate water availability during the anticipated dry spell.

The government must also ensure sufficient fodder for livestock to prevent shortages if weather conditions deteriorate, he said.

To strengthen monitoring, Revanth Reddy instructed officials to appoint Group-I and Group-II officers as mandal-level in-charges. They must regularly assess local conditions and submit reports to the Chief Secretary.

Describing El Niño as a potential disaster, the Chief Minister called for public awareness campaigns explaining its likely effects and necessary precautions. He stressed that coordinated action and advance preparation were essential to protect farmers, households and livestock from potential water and electricity shortages.