Water Crisis Hits Telangana, Hyderabad Faces Bangalore-like Drought
The month has seen a drastic decline in water levels across major reservoirs in Telangana, primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions and continuous increase in city population. The state’s capital, Hyderabad, is also witnessing a dwindling water supply just like banglore city. Many districts are grappling with acute water scarcity. Concerned authorities, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, have issued directives to take immediate measures to address the situation.
The state’s agricultural sector is bearing the brunt of the water crisis, with crops suffering due to insufficient irrigation. In response to the alarming situation, the Telangana State Development Planning Society submitted a memorandum to the government on March 27, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
According to reports, only 14% of the usual monsoon rainfall, attributed to the effects of the northeast monsoon, has been recorded in Telangana this year. Historically, the state receives an average rainfall of 113.20 mm during this period, but this year, it has only received 53.45 mm. Similarly, the winter season, from October to December, typically witnesses a significant amount of rainfall, but this year, it has been scarce, with only 1.1 mm recorded.
Moreover, from January to February, typically a period of moderate rainfall, Telangana usually receives 12 mm of rainfall. However, this year, it has only received 1.1 mm. Similarly, from March to May, the state usually receives 3.9 mm of rainfall, but this year, it has only received 0.2 mm.
Drastic water shortage sparks concerns across Telangana, reservoirs deplete rapidly
The situation is dire not only in Hyderabad but also across the state, with reservoirs like Sri Sailam, Jurala, Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Sreeramsagar, Nizamsagar, Mid Manair, and Lower Manair experiencing a significant drop in water levels. While some areas in the Krishna basin have received minimal rainfall, others remain dry. The overall water levels in major reservoirs across the state have plummeted.
The agricultural community is particularly vulnerable, as groundwater levels continue to decline. Despite efforts to mitigate the crisis, the situation remains precarious, necessitating urgent action from authorities to alleviate the water shortage and provide relief to affected communities.
