Telangana Expert Panel Proposes ₹802.92 Crore Plan to Mitigate El Niño Impact
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Telangana is facing a severe rainfall deficit of 30% as of July 27, 2026, affecting 26 districts and disrupting farming. The state government-constituted expert committee has proposed a ₹802.92 crore contingency plan to mitigate El Niño-induced drought-like conditions, with recommendations including subsidies for irrigation systems and promotion of drought-tolerant crops.
Background
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that can cause below-normal monsoon rainfall in India, leading to drought conditions. Telangana has experienced significant rainfall deficit, impacting agriculture and water resources. The state government formed a 22-member expert committee to address the situation.
Key facts
The expert committee, led by state planning board chairman G Chinna Reddy, has 22 members from various fields including agriculture, horticulture, energy, forests, education, fisheries, animal husbandry, irrigation, and panchayat raj.
The proposed contingency plan is worth ₹802.92 crore.
Telangana recorded a 30% rainfall deficit as of July 27, with only 234.80 mm rainfall against the normal 740.60 mm.
The deficit has affected 26 districts and disrupted farming operations.
Total area under cultivation declined to 7.456 million acres from 7.949 million acres last year.
Paddy transplantation completed in only 1.492 million acres, just 22.60% of the normal area.
Cotton cultivation covered 450 million acres (94.91% of normal), soybean 362,000 acres (87.01% of normal).
Recommendations include drip and sprinkler irrigation systems with subsidies ranging from 75% to 90%.
Solar fencing subsidies of 50% to 75% are suggested where necessary.
Village-wise contingency plans and promotion of drought-tolerant crops like pulses, oilseeds, millets, vegetables, and fodder crops are proposed.
Prelims pointers
- El Niño: A climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects global weather, often causing drought in India.
- Mission Bhagiratha: Telangana's drinking water supply scheme.
- Planning Board: State-level body for planning and development.
- Rainfall deficit: Percentage deviation from normal rainfall.
- Drought-tolerant crops: Crops like millets, pulses, oilseeds that require less water.
Mains angles
- Discuss the impact of El Niño on Indian agriculture and the measures taken by states to mitigate drought.
- Critically examine the role of expert committees in formulating state-level disaster management plans.
- Analyze the effectiveness of subsidy-driven irrigation systems in promoting water-use efficiency.