HC seeks State response on Telangana drought crisis

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

A division bench of the Telangana High Court directed the State to file its response in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a time-bound, scientific and district-wise assessment of drought and drought-like conditions.

The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice P. Sam Koshy and Justice Narsing Rao Nandikonda is hearing a PIL filed by Dr Cheruku Sudhakar, a medical practitioner, alleging failure by the State to provide minimum disaster relief, including drinking water, food, shelter, medical care and compensation to affected people.

The petitioner would contend that Telangana received 630.1 mm rainfall between June 1 and October 31, 2026, against the normal rainfall of 833.1 mm, reflecting a 24% deficit. Citing reports that 365 of the State’s 621 mandals had been declared drought-affected and another 254 were facing similar conditions, the petitioner would contend that the El Niño effect and prolonged deficient rainfall worsened the situation.

It is further claimed that the State’s drinking water requirement was around 409 TMC, while only about 200 TMC was available. Senior counsel Chikkudu Prabhakar appearing for the petitioner would point out that a multiple areas in the twin cities including Ameerpet, Manikonda etc., were also facing the after effects of the El Niño disaster. He said that students had to vacate hostel accomodation since many of these accomodation did not have sufficient water.

He pointed to the problems of tribals and said inaction was not only a result of poor planning but a serious violation of human rights of tribals. Senior Counsel also referred to drinking water problems at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies in Basara, where some students were allegedly hospitalised.

He further argued that the failure to repair the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram project had aggravated the water crisis. The petitioner is seeking a scientific assessment of drought conditions in every district, disclosure of disaster management and contingency plans, immediate supply of safe drinking water, food and essential commodities under the Disaster Management Act, and appointment of special officers to monitor relief operations.