Telangana Irrigation Department Faces Water Allocation Challenges The Telangana Irrigation Department has confirmed that water releases for the kharif (monsoon) season farming are currently insufficient, with officials prioritizing drinking water needs over agricultural irrigation. A committee, known as SKIVAM (State Irrigation Committee), convened to address the issue, emphasizing the need to allocate existing water reserves exclusively for domestic use. Officials stated that while there is a risk of floods in the coming weeks, the department is preparing to provide irrigation water if such events occur. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the current water storage levels across major projects and highlighted the insufficient availability of water for agricultural purposes. The discussion revealed that major projects have not met the expected water levels, prompting officials to prioritize drinking water needs, especially in the context of the El Niño phenomenon, which has exacerbated drought conditions. The committee also noted that the monsoon season has already ended, and any water released now would not significantly benefit farmers. The SKIVAM committee decided to allocate all available water to meet drinking water demands, with a directive to prepare detailed calculations for the annual water requirements of each project. Officials emphasized that future decisions on irrigation will depend on the occurrence of floods. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled in 15 days to reassess the situation, with instructions to compile data promptly. The committee also acknowledged the challenges posed by the current water scarcity, noting that without adequate rainfall, the state may struggle to meet irrigation demands for the next agricultural cycle.#monsoon_season #telangana_state #el_nino_phenomenon #telangana_irrigation_department #skivam_committee
