Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to ensure that the state secures its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari river water, amid the meteorological department's forecast of drought-like conditions due to the likely impact of El Nino.
The CM held a review meeting at the secretariat on the monsoon preparedness of various departments. He directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to hold discussions with Maharashtra officials regarding a proposal wherein Telangana would utilize 100% of the water from the Koyna Dam (located in Maharashtra), which is currently used exclusively for hydroelectric power generation by that state, and in return, supply the necessary electricity to Maharashtra.
Additionally, the CM suggested formulating a clear policy on how to effectively divert floodwaters flowing from both the Godavari and Pranahita river systems. Energy department officials were told to prepare a report detailing Telangana's rightful share of electricity generated from the Sileru and Tungabhadra dams.
Revanth Reddy instructed officials that repair and maintenance of gates of all dams across the state should be undertaken on a war footing. “Farmers should be educated through Rythu Vedikas (Farmers’ Platforms) on crop rotation, diversification, and water-efficient crops,” he said.
The CM stated that a letter would be written to the central government requesting that the urea produced at the Ramagundam factory be allocated exclusively to Telangana.
Officials were instructed to formulate an action plan to ensure that drinking water shortages do not arise in the state, especially in Greater Hyderabad. “Allocate water for drinking, power generation, irrigation, and industries, keeping in view the prevailing situation,” CM Revanth Reddy said.
Measures should be taken to minimize stagnation of stormwater on roads in the three municipal corporations. Senior IAS officer Jayesh Ranjan was directed to ensure that all 141 rain-harvesting wells are completed, as officials informed that only 11 have been completed so far. The three city police commissioners should work in coordination.
The CM directed district collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) to hold periodic meetings to review preparedness.
