Ponnam Prabhakar Chairs Drought Review Amid El Niño Impact on Telangana

As Telangana grapples with a delayed monsoon attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Thursday conducted a series of special temple rituals, including a Varuna Yagam, praying for timely rains and the welfare of the farming community. The minister later chaired a high-level review meeting with officials, directing them to strengthen drought preparedness and ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water, irrigation and cattle fodder in vulnerable areas.

The minister began his visit at the Sri Renuka Ellamma Temple in Husnabad, where he offered prayers for the prosperity of the state and its farmers. He later participated in the Sri Varahi Moola Mantra Homa Mahayagnam at the Ayyappa Temple, conducted by 108 Vedic priests using 21 homa kundas. He also visited the Sri Krishna Temple before taking part in a Varuna Yagam at the Marakata Shiva Temple, where rituals involving 108 sacred kalashas were performed to invoke abundant rainfall.

Addressing devotees, Ponnam Prabhakar said the delayed monsoon had heightened concerns among farmers across Telangana and expressed hope that widespread rains would soon replenish reservoirs, tanks and ponds, ensuring a productive kharif season. He urged people to pray not only for their own families but also for the welfare of society, invoking the spirit of "Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu." The minister said the prosperity of farmers is fundamental to strengthening the rural economy, benefiting traders, labourers, artisans and several other sections of society.

Later, at the Husnabad RDO Office, the minister chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from Siddipet, Karimnagar and Hanumakonda districts to assess the evolving drought situation. He instructed the administration to take pre-emptive measures to prevent shortages of drinking water, irrigation supply and cattle fodder, while closely monitoring rainfall patterns and water availability. Officials were also directed to remain prepared with contingency plans to minimise the impact of any prolonged dry spell.

The meeting was attended by Siddipet Collector Haimavathi, Karimnagar Collector Chitra Mishra, Hanumakonda Collector Chahat Bajpai, additional collectors and senior officials from various departments. The minister emphasised that timely coordination and continuous monitoring would be crucial to protecting farmers' interests and ensuring public welfare if rainfall deficits persist in the coming weeks.