HYDERABAD: Seeking the cooperation of all political parties to tackle the El Nino-induced drought, the state government on Wednesday said it would lead an all-party delegation to Delhi to seek financial assistance from the Centre.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, addressing an all-party meeting convened to discuss the drought conditions, said the state government would consider all suggestions from the Opposition.
Vikramarka confirmed that the state government has already submitted a report to the Centre on the prevailing situation and was preparing an action plan based on the availability of water in reservoirs. Steps were being taken to ensure adequate drinking water supply, he added.
Appealing to political parties to work together without politicising the crisis, Vikramarka recalled how parties had cooperated during the Covid-19 pandemic and called for a similar approach to tackle the drought.
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government would adopt a constructive approach to address the situation and protect farmers’ interests.
However, BRS leaders B Vinod Kumar, L Ramana and Singireddy Niranjan Reddy criticised the government for convening the meeting without Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s participation.
They recalled that the government had reported crop damage across 24.30 lakh acres but had not clarified the relief measures proposed or explained why a crop holiday had been declared for the Rabi season.
The BRS leaders demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre from the Union and state governments. They also questioned the utilisation of disaster funds and said that the drought was the result of the government’s failure rather than El Nino.
Owaisi calls for dedicated summer drinking water plan
BJP Legislature Party floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy cited financial assistance announced by Maharashtra and Gujarat for farmers and criticised the Telangana government for advising farmers against paddy cultivation during Rabi without specifying alternative support measures. He demanded immediate financial assistance and the implementation of crop insurance.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi called for a dedicated summer drinking water plan for Hyderabad and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority area, with zone-wise supply schedules, source-wise availability and a public dashboard. He also sought a monthly water account prepared by the departments concerned, and measures to ensure tanker supplies and community water facilities in Old City localities.
Asad further proposed repairs to household taps and float valves for eligible low-income families, action against direct suction from public water mains after a voluntary compliance period, and the publication of water supply information and complaint mechanisms in Telugu, Urdu and English.
Ministers Thummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, D Anasuya and V Srihari, along with officials, attended the meeting.