Telangana faces water shortages and potential drought declarations

Telangana is facing severe water scarcity and potential drought conditions due to an El Nino-impacted monsoon season and high temperatures. Approximately one-third of the state is experiencing drought-like conditions, with the government considering declaring roughly 230 mandals as drought-hit. Data from the Telangana Development and Planning Society indicates that 312 mandals have recorded rainfall deficits ranging from 20% to 59%.

In regions such as Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Medak, and Adilabad, falling groundwater levels are causing drinking water shortages. In parts of the Ranga Reddy district, roughly 50% of villages do not receive regular water supplies, and deep borewells are failing to yield water. Specific concerns have been raised regarding reservoir levels; the Singur Reservoir is at approximately 4 TMC of its 30 TMC capacity, while Nizam Sagar holds 12 TMC of its 17.80 TMC capacity.

Officials are evaluating the impact of releasing water for secondary crops, which could exacerbate shortages as early as January or February. Potential mitigation strategies include transferring water from Mallanna Sagar and Srisailam. Meanwhile, central teams are expected to visit the region to assess the situation following drought declarations in neighboring Karnataka and Maharashtra.