CM Revanth Reddy Joins Varuna Yagam as Telangana Hopes for Abundant Rain

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy attended the Purnahuti of a Varuna Yagam at Nagarjuna Sagar on Monday, praying for widespread rainfall across the Krishna and Godavari basins, full reservoirs and a prosperous agricultural season. Accompanied by his wife, Reddy participated in the concluding rituals and emphasised the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and public wellbeing amid concerns over declining water storage in the state.

The Varuna Yagam was conducted by the Telangana government on the banks of the Krishna River in Nalgonda district, seeking abundant rainfall, stronger river inflows and adequate water for agriculture. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with his wife and MLA N. Padmavathi, participated in the rituals earlier in the day.

Priests and Vedic scholars from the Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple conducted the ceremony according to traditional Vedic practices. As many as 108 ritwiks participated in the yagam, with 11 homa kundas arranged at the venue. Special prayers were offered for the replenishment of reservoirs, tanks and other water bodies and for adequate irrigation supplies to farmers.

The ceremony comes as Telangana enters a crucial phase of the southwest monsoon with water availability emerging as a growing concern. Nagarjuna Sagar, one of the state’s key irrigation reservoirs, currently holds around 145.65 TMC against its gross capacity of 312.045 TMC. Its water level is around 518 feet, significantly below the Full Reservoir Level of 590 feet.

The contrast with last year is particularly stark. On August 9, 2025, Nagarjuna Sagar held around 310.25 TMC, while its water level stood at 589.40 feet, almost at full capacity. The sharp year-on-year decline has increased pressure on the state to secure substantial inflows during the remaining monsoon period.

Telangana’s water position depends heavily on rainfall across the Krishna and Godavari catchments, meaning isolated showers may not be enough to substantially improve reservoir storage. Sustained rainfall across upstream basins is crucial for generating meaningful river inflows.

The government has also sought expert advice on managing possible rainfall deficiency. A special committee recommended measures such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, promotion of low-water crops and reducing water-intensive cultivation in water-stressed areas.

BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao said there was nothing wrong with conducting the yagam but urged the government to accompany the ritual with practical measures to support farmers, particularly if deficient rainfall persists.