Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka said on Wednesday that Telangana govt had sent a report to the Centre on drought conditions arising from deficient rainfall and would take an all-party delegation to Delhi to seek assistance, if necessary. He said govt was taking advance measures to tackle the threat posed by El Niño and would consider suggestions from opposition parties while drawing up its action plan.Addressing an all-party meeting at secretariat, Bhatti said govt had held consultations with scientists and experts and constituted a committee to study the impact of El Niño. It had also taken steps to create public awareness about the weather phenomenon and was assessing possible challenges in the coming months to ensure preparedness.He said the rainfall deficiency was not confined to Telangana, with neighbouring states and other parts of country also experiencing shortfalls. Had the deficit been limited to Telangana, rainfall in neighbouring states could have replenished reservoirs and provided some relief. With water availability from alternative sources also declining, efficient management of available resources had become crucial, he said.Bhatti said govt was preparing plans to make effective use of available water, taking reservoir storage levels into account. Departments were coordinating measures to minimise the impact of deficient rainfall, he said, adding that advance arrangements were being made to prevent drinking water shortages in rural and urban areas and ensure adequate water and fodder for livestock.He urged political parties to place public interest above political criticism while dealing with the potential crisis. Govt had invited all parties in the spirit of democracy and recorded their concerns and suggestions. It would examine the proposals and implement them wherever feasible, he said.Irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the govt would adopt a constructive approach to tackling drought and remain committed to protecting the interests of Telangana and its farmers, particularly in inter-state river water disputes. He said the meeting had discussed the impact of El Niño, rainfall deficiency and the likely consequences for farmers and the public. Drinking water supply, conservation of water resources, power supply for irrigation, alternative cropping plans and advance drought mitigation measures were among the issues discussed.He said govt had listened to concerns raised by leaders of various political parties and would take their suggestions into account while deciding its next course of action. Govt would work constructively to address the challenges posed by the potential natural disaster, he said. The meeting was attended by ministers N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Danasari Seethakka and Vakiti Srihari, besides leaders representing BRS, BJP, AIMIM, CPI, CPM, Telangana Jana Samithi and other political parties.
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