Govt. gears up for 'alarming’ situation in the offing under El Nino impact

Dried-up paddy crop in Pulkal mandal of Sangareddy district owing to deficit rainfall. | Photo Credit: MOHD. ARIF

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made a fervent appeal to farmers to opt for less water-intensive crops, irrigated dry crops, to avoid losses that are looming large in view of the El Nino situation. Steps are being taken to save the standing crop likely to be harvested in the next 20 days, but farmers should ensure that they do not go for water-intensive paddy to conserve water in the difficult times ahead.

“There is a chance of water shortages. Motors can burn down, causing additional losses. The government appeals to farmers to avoid water-intensive crops,” the Chief Minister said. He appealed to people to take up conservation of water and power as the two sectors could face difficulties in the coming days. “The next eight to ten months, till the next monsoon, are crucial. The government seeks cooperation of all sections in overcoming the calamity,” he said.

According to preliminary estimates, crops over 13 lakh acres are likely to be affected due to shortage of water on account of deficit rainfall during the monsoon season. As against the normal availability of over 450 tmcft in different reservoirs during the same time last year, all the reservoirs in the State are holding 209 tmcft water at preseni indicating the gravity of the situation.