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2026-09-03 20:26 UTC → 2026-09-29 08:51 UTC ·
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Telangana monsoon rainfall deficit and agricultural outlook escalating drought risk
In early August, the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for 18 districts in Telangana, forecasting moderate to heavy rain. These showers provided relief to farmers, increasing rice sowing from 11.02 lakh acres on July 22 to 20.46 lakh acres by July 29. While By early August rainfall was expected to be normal or above-normal due to low-pressure systems, meteorologists warned that a strengthening El Niño could weaken September, the monsoon shortfall continued to cause groundwater stress, particularly in north-eastern Hyderabad. Although the second half water table saw a marginal rise in 15 mandals of the season. By late August, Telangana reported a 17 percent monsoon Medchal-Malkajgiri district, rainfall deficit, which remained within insufficient to refill aquifers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Hyderabad indicated that monsoon rains were likely to ease starting September 4, a lull attributed to the “normal” rainfall band. El Niño climate pattern. At that time, the state was performing better than major foodgrain-producing regions like Bihar and Punjab. However, the national outlook deteriorated as Skymet revised its seasonal forecast down to 85 percent of the Long Period Average, raising the probability Telangana had recorded 476.8 mm of rain, representing a nationwide drought to 70 percent. By 20 percent deviation below the end normal of August, 592.7 mm. By late September, the situation in Telangana worsened. The Telangana Development & Planning Society (TGDPS) reported that escalated into severe water scarcity. Approximately one-third of the state concluded the month is facing drought-like conditions, with a 38 percent rainfall deficit, recording only 134.5 mm against the normal 215.8 mm. Cumulative monsoon rainfall government considering declaring roughly 230 mandals as drought-hit. Data from June 1 to August 31 stood at 473.8 mm (17 percent below the normal 573.5 mm). The India Meteorological Department attributed this to El Niño-related changes Telangana Development and weather systems Planning Society shows that bypassed central 312 mandals have recorded rainfall deficits between 20 percent and southern Telangana. By early September, the monsoon shortfall has led to increasing 59 percent. Falling groundwater stress, particularly in north-eastern Hyderabad. While the levels have caused drinking water table saw a marginal rise shortages in 15 mandals Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Medak, and Adilabad. In parts of the Medchal-Malkajgiri Ranga Reddy district, rainfall has been insufficient roughly 50 percent of villages lack regular water supplies as deep borewells fail to adequately refill aquifers. Local residents yield water. Reservoir levels have raised concerns regarding unauthorized borewell drilling depleting resources. also declined significantly; 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 water releases for secondary crops, which could worsen shortages by early next year. Mitigation strategies, such as transferring water from Mallanna Sagar and Srisailam, are being considered as central teams prepare to assess the region.