Telangana’s preparedness for a possible El Niño-related agricultural crisis came under attack from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, with party deputy floor leader T Harish Rao demanding an immediate plan for water shortages, power cuts, crop protection and alternative livelihoods.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, Rao accused the Congress government of failing to prepare farmers, farm labourers and standing crops for drought risks. He also questioned the handling of a video conference with farmers that was scheduled for Monday but, according to him, was repeatedly cancelled after officials asked farmers to gather at Rythu Vedikas.
Rao said the Chief Minister’s absence and the shifting schedule reflected what he described as a lack of seriousness about the agricultural crisis. He also alleged that a proposed Cabinet meeting on the El Niño situation had been cancelled as Ministers travelled to Delhi. The claims were made by Rao on behalf of the BRS, and no response from the Telangana government was included in the report.
The BRS leader said global scientists and Indian agencies had been warning about El Niño for nine months, but alleged that the State government had not explained what preventive measures it had taken. He criticised the reported advice to farmers not to cultivate crops without a corresponding contingency plan, asking what alternative livelihood support would be available to farmers and agricultural workers.
Rao also sought clarity on the release of Rythu Bharosa funds for the upcoming Yasangi, or Rabi, season. He asked whether the government would provide a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for paddy during the current season and provide additional assistance to farmers facing financial distress. He further questioned the delay in implementing Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa for eligible poor families.
Water allocation and irrigation operations formed another part of the BRS criticism. Rao alleged that farmers and farm labourers were being pushed towards migration because of inadequate irrigation supplies and questioned why the Devadula, Kannepalli and Kalwakurthy lift irrigation projects were not being fully used despite the availability of water. He also sought accountability for delayed repairs at Singur, saying reservoir storage had fallen sharply and alleging that industrial users, including liquor manufacturers, were being prioritised over drinking water and irrigation.
The dispute also extends to water supplied to institutions and industries. Rao said notices had been issued to BHEL, BDL and IIT-Hyderabad stating that their water supplies could not continue at current levels. He questioned cases filed against farmers who allegedly drew water from the Jurala project to protect their crops, while also demanding action over industrial water allocations.
On electricity, Rao attributed erratic farm power supply to inadequate coal stocks and the alleged failure to secure power purchase agreements in advance. He questioned why agreements had not been signed earlier if the government was prepared to purchase electricity at Rs 10 to Rs 15 per unit. He said unreliable power had left crops vulnerable to drying.
Rao also demanded the release of pending Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima payments, including compensation for families of farmers who had died since August. His demands included reliable power, better use of available water, financial support and alternative livelihoods for farm workers. He called on the government to announce a comprehensive action plan rather than advising farmers against sowing crops.

Welcome to Urban Acres, a leading think tank dedicated to promoting sustainable urban built environments in the face of climate change and the need for zero net carbon solutions.
© 2022 Urban Acres | All Rights Reserved

source