Telangana Cabinet Flags El Niño Threat, Seeks Central Aid, SIT Ordered into Dharani Irregularities

Expressing serious concern over the emerging drought situation in Telangana, the state Cabinet on Friday reviewed the impact of El Niño and the sharp rainfall deficit reported across several districts. The issue was discussed at the 36th Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy , which also took a series of key decisions relating to drought management, land administration and legislative reforms.

The Cabinet noted that many parts of the state have received 30-35 per cent below-normal rainfall , raising concerns over agriculture, drinking water availability and power supply. Considering the situation a matter of priority, the government decided to submit a detailed report to the Central Government , seeking financial assistance and requesting the deployment of a special team to assess crop losses and the overall impact of the rainfall deficit.

To ensure that people do not face hardship, district collectors have been directed to closely monitor drinking water supplies and respond immediately to public complaints. The government also instructed officials to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply and take preventive measures to manage the situation effectively.

As part of its drought-response strategy, the state announced a special toll-free helpline (1-800-123-7157) under the Agriculture Department. The helpline will function daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Praja Bhavan, enabling farmers and citizens to report problems and seek assistance.

The Cabinet decided that available water in reservoirs and irrigation projects should be prioritised for drinking water needs. Farmers were advised to consider cultivating less water-intensive crops and adopt alternative agricultural plans if rainfall conditions do not improve.

To create awareness and strengthen preparedness, district-level review meetings will be conducted on July 20 under the supervision of in-charge ministers and senior IAS officers. Public representatives, agricultural experts and scientists will participate in these consultations, while district-wise reports on losses and local conditions will be prepared. The government also entrusted State Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy with preparing a special study on the impact of El Niño on Telangana’s agriculture sector.

In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities linked to the Dharani land records portal . The investigation will examine land registrations, transfers of assigned and government lands, tender processes and other transactions carried out since October 29, 2020 , when Dharani became operational.

The Cabinet also cleared amendments to the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019 , allowing the nomination of transgender persons as co-opted members in municipal corporations. It further approved amendments to the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 , enabling gram panchayats to deposit funds in nationalised banks, cooperative banks and post offices.

The Cabinet decisions were later announced to the media by ministers Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao, Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Laxman Kumar .