‘El Nino impact severe, to peak in February’

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Thursday said the impact of El Nino is currently severe and was expected to peak in February next year. Jaju, who undertook a field visit to the Singur dam in neighbouring Sangareddy district to review water availability and crops situation, said the El Nino contributed to the failure of the monsoon, leading to a rise in temperatures by two-three degrees Celsius.

"Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is reviewing the situation," he told reporters. He said standing crops need to be protected during the next 15-20 days which calls for coordinated action by various departments.

The Chief Secretary directed the electricity department to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for agricultural needs. He stressed that the agriculture, electricity, irrigation and other concerned departments must work in close coordination, taking into account the prevailing weather conditions and water availability.

He also instructed officials to personally assess ground-level conditions, interact with farmers and locals to understand their requirements, and create public awareness about the precautionary measures being undertaken by the government.

The farmers may have to choose crop holiday during the 'yasangi' (Rabi) season in view of groundwater depletion even if electricity is supplied. Drinking water has been identified as the first priority, he said. Nodal officers are being deputed to every district to deal with the rainfall deficit and its impact.