Telangana readies contingency plans as El Niño threatens water, power supply

Telangana's Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan has instructed state departments to develop localized contingency strategies to address anticipated water and power deficits driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The directive underscores growing concerns about the impact of climatic disruptions on essential services across the state.

As part of efforts to conserve groundwater resources, Ranjan has directed authorities to halt permissions for new borewell drilling in Hyderabad, irrespective of the purpose—whether for construction projects or other activities. The restriction aims to preserve existing water reserves during the period of forecasted climatic stress.

The Chief Secretary's move reflects proactive governance to counter potential shortages before they materialize. Officials have been tasked with identifying vulnerable areas and preparing targeted responses to minimize disruption to residents and essential services.

Telangana has faced periodic water scarcity challenges in recent years, making El Niño-driven concerns particularly pressing for state planners. The contingency measures are expected to involve coordination between water supply, power distribution, and municipal authorities to ensure coordinated responses across different administrative levels.