Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to ensure that the state secures its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari river water share, against the backdrop of the meteorological department’s forecast of drought-like conditions due to the likely impact of El Nino.The CM held a review meeting at the secretariat on the monsoon preparedness of various departments, and directed chief secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to hold discussions with Maharashtra officials regarding a proposal wherein Telangana would utilise 100% of the water from the Koyna Dam (located in Maharashtra) — which is currently being used exclusively for hydroelectric power generation by that state — and, in return, supply the necessary electricity to Maharashtra.Also, the CM suggested formulating a clear policy on how to effectively divert floodwaters flowing in from both the Godavari and Pranahita river systems. Energy department officials were told to prepare a report detailing Telangana’s rightful share of the electricity generated from the Sileru and Tungabhadra dams.Revanth Reddy told officials that repair and maintenance of the gates of all dams across the state should be taken up on a war footing. “Farmers should be educated through Rythu Vedikas (Farmers’ Platforms) on crop rotation, diversification, water-efficient crops,” he said.The CM said a letter would be written to the central govt requesting that the urea produced at the Ramagundam factory be allocated exclusively to Telangana.Officials were instructed to formulate an action plan to ensure that drinking water shortage does not arise in the state, especially Greater Hyderabad.“Allocate water for drinking, power generation, irrigation, and industries, keeping in view the prevailing situation,” CM Revanth Reddy said.Take measures to minimise stagnation of stormwater on roads in the three municipal corporations. Senior IAS officer Jayesh Ranjan was directed to ensure that all 141 rain-harvesting wells were completed, as officials informed that only 11 were completed. The three city police commissioners should work in coordination.The CM directed district collectors and the superintendents of police (SPs) to hold periodic meetings.
