Hyderabad rainfall deficit: Sameer Waliullah backs El Niño measures, seeks Old City focus

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency Congress in-charge and former DCC president Mohammed Waliullah Sameer on Friday, 30 October, flagged the Hyderabad rainfall deficit while welcoming Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s measures to address the El Niño-induced drought. In a statement, he expressed confidence that the Congress Government would protect residents, particularly vulnerable Old City families, from the anticipated water, heat and power crisis.

He said the Chief Minister had shown foresight. The government acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, convened an all-party meeting and began contingency measures. In his view, prioritising drinking water, monitoring reservoirs and planning for a prolonged dry spell reflect responsible governance. “El Niño is a climatic phenomenon beyond any government’s control. What matters is preparedness,” he said. Congress workers, he added, should support these efforts and ensure that vulnerable neighbourhoods receive attention.

Citing rainfall statistics, he said Telangana received 615.5 mm during the southwest monsoon against a normal of 740.6 mm, a 17% deficit. The Hyderabad rainfall deficit was sharper at 27%, with the district receiving 458.2 mm against 627.2 mm. Charminar and Saidabad were among the worst-affected mandals, with deficits approaching 47%.

He noted that Telangana had declared 365 mandals drought-affected, including 111 severely and 254 moderately affected. Live storage in major and medium reservoirs had reportedly fallen to approximately 180 TMC against a combined capacity of 585 TMC. Strong El Niño conditions could persist into early 2027, he said. Therefore, drinking water shortages, agricultural difficulties and electricity pressures could last longer. He appreciated the Chief Minister’s advance warning of possible challenges until July 2027. It offered a chance to strengthen preparedness rather than create panic, he said.

Hyderabad rainfall deficit leaves Old City families exposed

Highlighting the Old City’s vulnerabilities, Sameer Waliullah said densely populated neighbourhoods in Charminar, Yakutpura, Chandrayangutta, Bahadurpura, Malakpet and Saidabad require particular attention. Many households there depend entirely on municipal supplies and lack adequate water-storage facilities. “Thousands of families live in small houses without underground sumps or sufficient storage capacity. Any reduction in municipal supply could create serious difficulties,” he said. He asked that their circumstances be considered while implementing the government’s contingency plans.

The Congress leader appreciated the efforts of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to augment supplies from alternative sources, as reservoir storage and groundwater levels decline. He suggested smaller water tankers, neighbourhood-level distribution points and advance supply schedules. These could help residents of narrow Old City lanes that conventional tankers cannot reach.

He said the Old City’s historically relatively favourable groundwater conditions in certain pockets offered some protection. However, declining rainfall and excessive extraction remained serious concerns. Therefore, water conservation and protection of local water bodies were essential.

Heat risks, food prices and Congress workers’ plans

Sameer Waliullah also highlighted the risk of extreme summer temperatures, aggravated by dense construction, limited ventilation and inadequate green cover. Daily-wage workers, street vendors, auto drivers, construction labourers, senior citizens and children could face greater health risks, he said. “Protecting their health and livelihoods must remain central to our preparedness,” he said. He welcomed the government’s focus on maintaining electricity supplies. He also proposed additional public drinking water points, heat-awareness campaigns and emergency medical arrangements in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

The former DCC president cautioned that drought-related agricultural losses could push up food prices. This would add to household expenses for water, electricity and essential commodities. He appreciated the government’s proposed employment-support measures and emphasis on protecting economically weaker sections. He also stressed that deficient rainfall did not eliminate the risk of sudden heavy downpours. Maintenance of drainage systems, desilting, groundwater recharge and prevention of drinking water contamination, he said, remained important for the Old City.

Sameer Waliullah announced that Congress workers across the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency would support water-conservation campaigns, collect locality-specific feedback and communicate public concerns to the authorities. He appealed to residents to avoid water wastage, repair leaks and cooperate with government initiatives. “Congress workers will stand with the people throughout this difficult period,” he said.