Ensure water supply, not explain source of water: Telangana high court to govt | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: As Telangana grapples with drought conditions triggered by a severe rainfall deficit, the high court on Thursday made it clear that its concern was not how the govt sources water, but whether it ensures adequate supply to citizens while seeking a detailed account of the state’s response to the crisis.A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice P Sam Koshy and Justice Suddala Chalapathi Rao made the observation while hearing a public interest litigation seeking measures to mitigate the impact of El Niño-induced drought conditions across the state.The court observed that it was not concerned with where or how the govt lifts or pumps water, but only with whether water is being made available to all citizens.Noting that the prevailing situation “was not man-made and the govt cannot be blamed” for its effects, the bench directed the state govt to file a detailed affidavit outlining the measures taken to ensure drinking water supply and the steps initiated to deal with the ongoing situation. The matter was adjourned to Dec 9.The PIL was filed by political leader Cheruku Sudhakar and social worker K Shravan Kumar.Appearing for the petitioners, counsel Chikkudu Prabhakar told the court: “Due to the El Niño effect, the state is reeling under a severe drought situation, particularly the Hyderabad city and more particularly the western parts of the city (IT corridor) and the state has not taken any steps to address the situation.”Prabhakar further argued that the govt’s inaction had forced the closure of hundreds of hostels because of water scarcity and that the situation was likely to persist for several more months.“That itself (closing hostels) indicates they are taking steps to address the situation,” the bench remarked in a lighter vein.The petitioners submitted that Telangana received 630.1 mm of rainfall between June 1 and Oct 31, 2026, against the normal 833.1 mm, reflecting a 24% deficit. They contended that the El Niño effect and prolonged deficient rainfall had deepened the crisis, pointing out that 365 of the state’s 621 mandals had been declared drought-affected, while another 254 mandals were facing similar conditions.According to the petitioners, Telangana requires around 409 tmc of drinking water, while only about 200 tmc is currently available.Prabhakar also cited drinking water problems at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies, Basara, where some students were allegedly hospitalised.He further alleged that delays in repairing the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram project had aggravated the water scarcity situation.The petitioners sought a time-bound scientific assessment of drought conditions in every district, disclosure of disaster management and contingency plans, immediate supply of safe drinking water and essential commodities in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, and the appointment of special officers to monitor relief operations.