Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday, 15 October warned that the state is heading for a severe crisis driven by an unprecedented El Niño situation, citing sharply declining reservoir levels and a record spike in electricity demand. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad after a ministerial review meeting, Revanth Reddy cautioned that the next 9–10 months will be 'very difficult' and urged citizens, farmers, and political parties to cooperate in what he likened to a COVID-scale emergency.

Reservoir Levels at a Historic Low

Revanth Reddy said Telangana's reservoirs currently hold only 200 TMC of water, against a typical level of 462 TMC for this time of year — a shortfall of more than half. Reservoirs in the Godavari basin have 72% less water compared to last year, while the Krishna basin holds 40% less. The state recorded a 23% rainfall deficit during the monsoon season. 'No reservoir has enough water to supply both drinking and farming needs,' he said. 'This is an unprecedented moment of crisis for all of us.'

The government must supply drinking water to 24,000 villages across the state, making conservation an immediate priority. The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to stop non-essential uses of water, including washing vehicles.

Electricity Demand Surges to Record 20,003 MW

Compounding the water crisis is an extraordinary surge in power demand. Electricity consumption has soared to 20,003 MW against a normal October level of around 15,000 MW — an excess of nearly 5,000 MW. Revanth Reddy attributed the spike to increased use of the approximately 30 lakh agriculture pump sets operating across the state, as well as higher domestic consumption driven by unseasonal heat. He noted that temperatures typical of March are currently being experienced in October, pushing up air-conditioning and cooling loads. The state government is purchasing electricity at prevailing market rates to protect standing crops ahead of the monsoon harvest, expected in about 20 days.

Farmers Urged to Defer Rabi Crop; Kharif Damage Likely

Revanth Reddy urged farmers to defer the Yasangi (Rabi) crop season in order to safeguard the state's drinking water reserves. He also warned that crops across 10 lakh acres are likely to suffer damage during the ongoing Vanakalam (Kharif) season, despite government efforts to prevent crop withering. He stressed the need to ensure both drinking water and adequate fodder for livestock, cautioning that animals could perish in large numbers if supplies run short.

Government Response and Centre's Support Sought

The Chief Minister announced that the government is preparing an action plan to repair tanks, lakes, and ponds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He called on the Centre to provide financial assistance to farmers affected by crop losses and those who may be compelled to skip the next sowing season. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will organise an all-party meeting after Dasara to brief all parties on the situation. Revanth Reddy will lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to meet the Union Home Minister and other central ministers.

On the public awareness front, the government plans to deploy cultural troupes (kala jathas) across the state. Actor Vijay Deverakonda has reportedly already made an appeal on the El Niño situation, and the government intends to enlist other film actors, athletes, and artists to amplify the message.

The Global Context

Revanth Reddy placed the Telangana crisis within a broader global frame, noting that the United Nations has flagged that El Niño would affect people in 100 countries, impacting nearly 100 crore people directly and indirectly. 'Because of global warming, this El Niño disaster is affecting the entire world. Scientists and other experts have been warning us about El Niño. Unfortunately, their worst predictions have come true,' he said. Comparing the challenge to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister appealed for all-party unity: 'When a natural disaster strikes us, it is everyone's duty to come together. Save Water, Save Power — this is our magic mantra.'

With the all-party delegation to Delhi yet to be scheduled and Rabi sowing decisions looming for millions of Telangana farmers, the weeks ahead will test both the state administration's crisis management and the Centre's willingness to respond.