Telangana plans to hold ‘Climate Conclave’ with star speakers during Global Summit-2026 | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: From Hollywood eco-stars to Bollywood environmental champions, Telangana is aiming for a star-studded climate conclave from Dec 7, with the state govt seeking global voices to drive action on climate resilience, green investments and El Nino preparedness, according to irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy.The climate conclave, planned as part of ‘Invest Telangana–Global Summit 2026’ to be held on Dec 7, 8 and 9 at Bharat Future City, is likely to be held in the city.Reviewing the preparations with officials at the secretariat on Monday, Uttam Kumar Reddy called for a carefully curated conference that would place Telangana prominently on the global climate map while addressing the state’s emerging environmental challenges, particularly the anticipated El Nino threat and its implications for water security, agriculture and livelihoods.The minister stressed that the success of the conclave should not be judged by the number of sessions or participants, but by the stature of speakers, quality of deliberations, international visibility, investment opportunities and, most importantly, the actionable outcomes it delivers.The minister emphasised that Telangana must prepare well in advance for the possible consequences of El Nino, including prolonged dry spells, water shortages, agricultural distress, rising temperatures and increased demand for drinking water and electricity.He referred to chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s commitment to mobilising nearly Rs 1,000 crore every month during the peak summer months for drought mitigation and relief, and called for scientific, sustainable and long-term strategies to strengthen the state’s preparedness.The conclave is expected to examine preparedness for the critical March to May summer period, with particular attention to drinking water security, fodder availability and protecting vulnerable communities.The minister asked officials to concentrate on securing a select group of internationally recognised personalities through appropriate institutional and diplomatic channels. Environmental leaders and experts such as Rajendra Singh, Sunita Narain, Sadhguru and Norwegian former environment minister Erik Solheim are also among the proposed invitees. The minister suggested exploring the participation of actor Dia Mirza, who has been associated with environmental causes, particularly for the curtain-raiser event.Union ministers, selected ambassadors, especially from Norway, Denmark and Sweden, and prominent national political and environmental personalities are also proposed to be invited. Officials were asked to pursue invitations strategically, focusing on individuals whose participation could add substantive value and international visibility.Emphasising that climate policy must reflect ground realities, the minister proposed a grassroots consultation on Nov 28 involving around 100 representatives from different walks of life. Advocating a focused format, Uttam favoured a two-day international conference with fewer but more substantive sessions, rather than an overcrowded programme. The proposed themes include drought and El Nino preparedness, water security, climate resilience, afforestation, desertification, clean air, renewable energy, climate finance and waste-to-wealth initiatives.