Telangana: MLAs point out looming water crisis

As Telangana braces for a challenging summer, members of the Telangana Legislative Assembly today voiced urgent concerns over the escalating water crisis threatening the state. During a heated session, legislators from across party lines pressed the government for answers on how it plans to address dwindling water reserves, protect farmers, and ensure drinking water availability in the coming months.

The discussion, held on the second day of the ongoing budget session, was sparked by reports of rapidly depleting water levels in key irrigation projects and reservoirs, including the Sripada Yellampalli project, which currently holds just 12 TMC of its 20.18 TMC capacity.

Assembly members highlighted the plight of Rabi farmers, with fears that over 10 lakh acres of crops could be at risk due to inadequate irrigation water. “Farmers are watching their crops wither away while the government seems unprepared,” said one opposition MLA, demanding immediate action.

Legislators also pointed to the acute drinking water shortage looming over rural areas, with over 200 villages in Asifabad and Adilabad districts already identified as vulnerable.

“People are trekking miles for water or relying on bullock carts. This is unacceptable in 2025,” remarked a concerned member, urging the state to roll out contingency plans.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy faced tough questions about the government’s preparedness, with some members accusing the administration of failing to secure Telangana’s share of Krishna River water amid ongoing disputes with Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy countered the criticism, asserting that his government was committed to safeguarding the state’s water rights and had taken steps to renegotiate allocations with the central government.

With temperatures already climbing and monsoon relief months away, the water crisis is set to remain a flashpoint in Telangana’s political and public discourse.