Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday directed officials to ensure uninterrupted round-the-clock power supply to protect standing crops from withering amid prevailing rain-deficit conditions in Telangana.Warning that the next 20 days are crucial for agriculture, he made it clear that farmers must not suffer crop losses due to power shortages.At a review meeting with senior officials on the impact of deficient rainfall and El Niño, and the status of electricity and drinking water supplies across the state, the CM warned of suspensions over negligence and directed all departments to prepare for El Niño impact until June.He will hold an informal cabinet meeting on El Niño impact at the secretariat today from 4pm onwards.During the review with senior officials on Wednesday, he expressed strong displeasure over the handling of the situation by officials.Officials will be held responsible“I am accountable to the people, and will hold officials responsible for failing to implement the directives. I will not hesitate to suspend the special chief secretary of the energy department, the GENCO chairman and managing director and the IAS officers concerned if they failed to discharge their responsibilities,” he said while warning officials against offering different excuses every day for power interruptions.He criticised officials for recurring power outages in several areas despite repeated instructions.The CM also questioned why measures had not been taken to increase power generation despite the possibility of shortages in the coming days. He sought an explanation for the Yadadri Thermal Power Plant not operating at full capacity even after coal supply linkages had been established with Naini and Mahanadi coal fields. Plan till next JuneThe CM directed all departments to prepare a comprehensive action plan extending until next June to address the consequences of deficient rainfall.In Greater Hyderabad, he instructed officials to explore the use of treated water from sewage treatment plants for construction activities.To strengthen monitoring at the grassroots level, the CM directed appointment of Group-1 and Group-2 officers to monitor rainfall deficits, electricity supply, drinking water availability, and cattle fodder requirements..He directed officials to organise gram sabhas between Dasara and Diwali to educate people about the consequences of deficient rainfall.Cultural troupes, known as Kala Jathas, will be used to spread awareness about El Niño, water conservation, electricity conservation and the measures required to prepare for the coming months.
