Hyderabad:Condemning chief minister A Revanth Reddy ’s remarks on the emerging drought situation in Telangana , former minister T Harish Rao alleged that the state is facing a crisis due to the Congress govt’s administrative failures rather than natural causes.
In a press statement, Harish Rao said Revanth Reddy would be remembered in this state’s history as a Chief Minister who “surrendered before the drought” instead of instilling confidence among farmers and the public. He criticized the govt’s decision to form a cabinet sub-committee on drought management, describing it as a delayed response taken after the situation had already deteriorated.
“What preventive measures had been taken during that period to avert water shortages, power disruptions and agricultural distress,” he asked. The former minister questioned the government’s preparedness despite repeatedly warning people about the El Niño effect over the past six months. Harish Rao alleged that the govt had failed to lift adequate water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers and had not ensured sufficient storage in reservoirs. He also accused the administration of ignoring warnings about coal stocks and a possible power crisis. Drawing comparisons with the previous BRS regime, Harish Rao claimed that former Chief Minister K. The BRS leader also questioned why neighboring AP was not witnessing similar drought concerns if El Niño was the sole reason for the situation. He alleged that the Congress govt was attempting to shift blame instead of addressing the challenges faced by farmers. Harish Rao demanded that the state government release a white paper detailing water levels in major projects, drinking water requirements, irrigation availability and funds allocated for drought mitigation. He urged the govt to announce a comprehensive drought management plan, ensure irrigation and drinking water supply, provide fodder for livestock, generate employment opportunities and extend compensation, crop insurance and farmer insurance benefits to affected farmers.