Hyderabad: To assess the El Nino impact at the field level and its impact on water availability across the state, Telangana chief secretary Sanjay Jaju visited Singur and Manjeera reservoirs on Thursday and reviewed with senior officials the implementation of alternative plans formulated by the govt to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply to Hyderabad and the districts of Sangareddy, Kamareddy, Nizamabad and Medak.With water storage levels in the Singur and Manjeera reservoirs declining, the CS directed officials to utilise available water resources efficiently and strengthen advance planning to meet drinking water requirements in the coming days. In view of falling groundwater levels, he said there was a need for close monitoring of water consumption and directed officials to assess water availability for the next 15 days and take appropriate water management measures.Sanjay Jaju observed that temperatures were reportedly around 2–3 degrees Celsius higher than normal for the period and described the prevailing conditions as unusual for the season. He directed the concerned departments to closely monitor the impact of changing weather conditions on crops.“Next 15–20 days would be critical for standing crops. Farmers should remain vigilant and agriculture department officials to provide timely, field-level guidance to farmers to protect their crops,” he said.The chief secretary directed the electricity department to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for agricultural needs. He stressed that the agriculture, electricity, irrigation and other concerned departments must work in close coordination, keeping the prevailing weather conditions and water availability in view.He also instructed officials to personally assess ground-level conditions, interact with farmers and local residents to understand their requirements, and create public awareness about the precautionary measures being undertaken by the govt.
