In the state of Telangana, officials are bracing for a long period of drought. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, speaking at a meeting organized by the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) on October 23, 2026, delivered a stark warning: drought conditions will continue for the next 8-10 months. This forecast has sent ripples through the agricultural community, which relies on the state's water resources for its livelihood.
Telangana has experienced a significant rainfall deficit over recent months. According to the latest data, the state received 27 percent less rainfall than normal. This shortfall is affecting water availability across the state. The situation is exacerbated by a critical issue of groundwater depletion. In 324 of the state's 621 mandals (administrative divisions), groundwater levels have plummeted. This is related to the use of agricultural pump sets, with the state having approximately 30 lakh (3 million) units. During the current month, groundwater levels have depleted in areas where nearly 15 lakh (1.5 million) pump sets have been in use.
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reviews El Niño impact and drought conditions in the state with senior officials at MCRHRD Attended by MP Vem Narender Reddy, Government Advisor Ramakrishna Rao, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and senior officials from various departments. (Source: Telangana CMO)
In response to the dire situation, Chief Minister Reddy has urged farmers to adapt by cultivating dry crops and vegetables. These crops require less water and can be grown in a variety of soil conditions, making them more resilient to the current drought conditions. The government is working on strategies to help farmers transition to these alternative crops.
The government is working on strategies to help farmers transition to these alternative crops.
The political landscape in Telangana is also shifting, with criticism from opposition parties over the handling of the drought crisis. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has responded to these criticisms by emphasizing the need for constructive suggestions. He stated, 'Political parties have a responsibility to stand by the people.' This call for unity and cooperation highlights the need for a collective effort to address the drought and its consequences.
Alert Telangana 🚨 CM Revanth Reddy appeals to defer one crop - Rabi amid drought due to El Niño Prioritise drinking water needs Reduce water usage for washing bikes, cars, veranda https://t.co/QzFhOHryR5
As the state prepares for an extended drought period, the focus is on resilience and adaptation. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt new practices, and the government is implementing water management strategies to mitigate the impact of the drought. The coming months will be crucial in determining the extent of the damage and the effectiveness of the measures taken to address the crisis.
In the face of a prolonged drought, the people of Telangana are facing a significant challenge. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's warning and the call for constructive solutions from Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka underscore the need for a united front to address this crisis. As the state enters this 10-month drought period, the resilience of its agricultural community and the effectiveness of the government's response will be critical in determining the outcome.
Is this it? Should Revanth Reddy be blamed if drought hits Telangana? #AndhraPradesh #AndhraPradeshPolitics