Hyderabad, Oct 27: The Telangana government has declared 365 mandals across 31 of the state’s 33 districts as drought-affected for 2026 and directed district authorities to immediately implement relief measures for farmers and rural communities.
According to a Government Order (GO) issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, 111 mandals have been classified as severely drought-affected, while 254 mandals fall under the moderate drought category. The notification will remain in force for six months.
Telangana Government Announces Drought Relief Measures
The government has directed district authorities to provide relief to affected farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), improve drinking water supply, arrange fodder for livestock and establish cattle camps wherever necessary. Employment generation under the VB-G RAM G scheme has also been included in the relief measures.
District Collectors have been instructed to coordinate with the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) to explore the restructuring of agricultural loans and prevent coercive loan recovery, in accordance with applicable Reserve Bank of India guidelines.
Telangana Faces 17% Rainfall Deficit
The government attributed the drought conditions to the impact of El Niño, weak low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and prolonged dry spells during the Southwest monsoon.
Between June 1 and September 30, 2026, Telangana received 615.5 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 740.6 mm, registering a 17 per cent deficit. As a result, 18 districts experienced rainfall shortages affecting the Kharif cropping season.
Paddy Cultivation Area Declines by 18%
The drought has also affected agricultural activity across the state. The area under paddy cultivation declined by 18 per cent, from 69.19 lakh acres to 57 lakh acres.
Water storage in major and medium reservoirs stood at 179.63 TMC against their total capacity of 585 TMC. The reduced storage has raised concerns over drinking water availability, irrigation, livestock and power supply.
Cabinet Sub-Committee Recommends Drought Declaration
A Cabinet Sub-Committee recommended declaring 365 mandals across 31 districts as drought-affected after reviewing the situation at a meeting held on October 23. The state government subsequently issued the order to facilitate relief measures.
Telangana Deputy CM to Hold All-Party Meeting
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will hold an all-party meeting on Wednesday to seek suggestions from political parties on addressing the prevailing drought-like conditions caused by El Niño and rainfall shortages.
The meeting is expected to focus on measures to manage the drought situation and reduce its impact on farmers, drinking water supplies and rural livelihoods.
