Bhatti Vikramarka says Telangana will prepare unified drought action plan

Hyderabad: Telangana government is preparing a unified drought action plan to address potential rainfall shortages and drought conditions linked to El Niño, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced on Wednesday. He said the government has already submitted a preliminary report on the state’s drought situation to the Union Government. Telangana is also ready to send an all-party delegation to New Delhi if the situation requires further Central assistance.

Bhatti made the announcement after he chaired an all-party meeting at the Secretariat on October 28. The meeting examined measures to protect farmers, safeguard agricultural production and maintain drinking water and irrigation supplies.

“The government will proceed with a unified action plan incorporating constructive inputs from all political parties to effectively address the challenges posed by El Niño,” Vikramarka said. He urged political leaders to place public welfare above party interests. He also stressed the importance of coordinated action to minimise the impact of rainfall deficits on agriculture and water availability.

Drought action plan backed by advance preparedness

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government has already started advance preparedness measures for possible drought conditions. He also emphasised the need for cooperation between government departments and political representatives.

The proposed delegation to New Delhi would seek immediate financial and logistical support for the state’s drought response. Meanwhile, the government is focusing on protecting agricultural output and ensuring continued availability of drinking water.

The meeting also covered irrigation requirements and the challenges farmers could face during a rainfall deficit. Bhatti said the government will consider feasible proposals from political representatives while it prepares its operational roadmap.

Ministers and senior officials review El Niño threat

Several Cabinet Sub-Committee members attended the high-level meeting at the Secretariat. They included State Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Danasari Seethakka and Vakiti Srihari.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Nodal Officer Ramakrishna Rao also took part in the discussions. The meeting brought together representatives of many major parties to discuss preparedness and coordinated action.

Congress, BRS, BJP and AIMIM leaders attend

Congress representatives included Anjan Kumar Yadav and Farmers’ Commission Chairman Kodanda Reddy. The BRS delegation included Vinod Kumar, L. Ramana and Singireddy Niranjan Reddy.

BJP Legislature Party Leader Aleti Maheshwar Reddy and MLC Komuraiya attended the meeting. AIMIM president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi took part alongside Assembly Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi.

The CPI sent National Secretary Palla Venkata Reddy and State Secretary Koonamneni Sambasiva Rao. CPM State Secretary John Wesley and former MLA Nandyala Narasimha Reddy also joined the discussions.

Other parties join the all-party meeting

Telangana Jana Samithi president and MLC Professor Kodandaram also participated. Samajwadi Party representatives included Professor Simhadri and Venkateswarlu.

Other participants included RJD leader Shobha Yadav and BSP state leader Sriram Krishna. Aam Aadmi Party state president Hema Sudarshan and TDP representative Katragadda Prasanna Kumar also attended.

Bhatti says unified plan will draw on party suggestions

Concluding the meeting, Bhatti Vikramarka said the discussions reflected the principles of democratic governance. He assured party representatives that officials had recorded all feasible recommendations presented during the session. Furthermore, he said the government will incorporate those suggestions into its drought response roadmap.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the administration will prioritise farmers’ interests, agricultural production and essential water supplies. He also stressed the importance of collective efforts in responding to the possible effects of El Niño. The unified drought action plan will therefore draw on recommendations from different political parties as it guides the government’s preparedness measures.