Hyderabad: Amid the El Nino crisis, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday, October 23, said political parties have a responsibility to stand by the people rather than criticise the government when the state is facing natural calamities.

He recalled how people responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeals during the COVID-19 pandemic by clapping, ringing bells and lighting lamps to express their support for the governments.

He said it was unfortunate that attempts were now being made to discredit the government when Telangana was facing deficient rainfall.

He stated that Telangana had received 27 per cent less rainfall than normal and that official reports indicated groundwater scarcity in 324 of the state’s 621 mandals.

He urged Opposition parties to offer constructive suggestions that would benefit the people instead of limiting themselves to criticism.

He was speaking at a meeting organised by the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) at Praja Bhavan. The meeting focused on creating awareness about El Nino and preparations for MLC elections.

Groundwater scarcity in 324 mandals

The Deputy CM said the state has approximately 30 lakh agricultural pump sets, and officials estimate that groundwater levels have depleted in areas where nearly 15 lakh pump sets have been in use during the current month.

He explained that farmers were suffering financial losses as electric motors were getting damaged when operated in borewells with insufficient or no water.

To prevent such losses, he directed officials to create awareness among farmers about groundwater availability.

Alternative crops urged during Rabi season

With water levels declining in reservoirs across the Krishna and Godavari river basins, Bhatti Vikramarka said farmers should be encouraged to cultivate alternative crops recommended by the Agriculture Department instead of paddy during the upcoming Rabi season.

He advised farmers to plan their crops based on the availability of water.

He also pointed out that electricity consumption had increased significantly despite a decline in hydropower generation, with the state recording a peak electricity demand of 20,018 MW.

Ensuring drinking water for people is the top priority

He said that the government’s foremost priority in the coming days would be to ensure drinking water for people, livestock, birds and all other living beings.

He stressed the need to protect water resources and create widespread public awareness about conserving and using available water judiciously.