Telangana monsoon revival cuts rainfall deficit to 11% after heavy rains
- Telangana's rainfall deficit dropped from over 30% to 11% after a week of heavy downpours.
- Several districts, including Hyderabad, received over 100 mm of rain in 24 hours.
- Reservoir levels have risen, aiding irrigation and drinking water supplies.
- The state government has issued flood alerts for low-lying areas along major rivers.
Rains drench Telangana, shrink deficit sharply
Heavy monsoon rains over the past week have pulled Telangana's seasonal rainfall deficit down to 11 per cent, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Just two weeks ago, the state was staring at a deficit of over 30 per cent, triggering concerns among farmers and water managers.
The turnaround began on July 25, with a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal drawing in moisture-laden winds. Since then, widespread rain has lashed most districts. Hyderabad recorded 112 mm in a single 24-hour period, while districts like Nizamabad, Warangal, and Khammam saw similar downpours.
Reservoirs get a boost, flood alerts issued
The sudden surge in rainfall has lifted water levels in key reservoirs. The Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam dams, which were running low, have registered a steady inflow. Officials from the state irrigation department say this has eased pressure on drinking water supplies in several parched regions.
However, the heavy downpour has also triggered flood warnings. The Godavari and Krishna rivers are in spate, and the state government has issued alerts for low-lying villages. Evacuation drills are underway in vulnerable stretches, particularly in Bhadradri-Kothagudem and Nalgonda districts.
Agriculture gets a lifeline
For farmers, the rain has been a lifesaver. Many had delayed kharif sowing after a dry June and early July. Paddy, cotton, and soybean crops were wilting in parts of the state. Now, with soil moisture improving, sowing has picked up pace.
The agriculture department has advised farmers to complete transplanting and other operations quickly, as the monsoon window may narrow again. Officials are also monitoring pest outbreaks, which often follow heavy rain.
IMD outlook: more rain likely
The IMD has predicted continued rainfall activity over Telangana for the next 48 to 72 hours. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rain. The low-pressure system is expected to move westward, but its remnants could still bring showers.
City authorities in Hyderabad are on standby for waterlogging. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has deployed pumps and emergency teams in low-lying areas.
The coming week will show whether the deficit can be erased entirely. For now, the state is breathing easier, but officials caution that rapid runoff means the gains could be short-lived if dry spells return in August.