Telangana panel on El Nino to submit mitigation report to CM on Monday

The State-level expert committee constituted to assess the impact of El Nino in Telangana has finalised its recommendations to mitigate the likely effects of the weather phenomenon. The committee, headed by Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy is expected to submit its report to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday.

Mr. Chinna Reddy said the committee had prepared contingency plans at the village, mandal and district levels, including measures such as crop diversification and the cultivation of alternative crops. The recommendations were finalised following a meeting held on July 22.

The committee is expected to recommend the supply of pulse and cereal seeds, along with drip irrigation units, to farmers at subsidised prices. It is also likely to suggest ensuring timely access to crop loans for eligible farmers and considering a moratorium on the repayment of existing farm loans, sources said.

The district-level plans include expanding micro-irrigation, undertaking groundwater recharge measures and ensuring the advance availability of contingency crop plans and seeds. The proposals also seek to reduce farmers’ dependence on water-intensive crops and strengthen coordination among various government departments.

The committee has further recommended village-level awareness programmes on the possible impact of El Nino, drought management, water conservation and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The district-wise contingency plans are aimed at strengthening preparedness and minimising the impact of adverse weather conditions on agriculture and rural livelihoods.