Telangana’s government is examining whether to formally declare roughly 230 of the state’s 621 mandals drought-hit. An announcement is expected within one to two weeks. Rainfall data as of Tuesday shows 312 mandals in the deficit category, with shortfalls ranging from 20 to 59 per cent. The statewide average deficit stands at about 16 per cent.
The worst case is Waddepalle mandal in Jogulamba Gadwal district, which has received only 136. 5 mm against a normal 435 mm, a shortfall of 69 per cent. Officials count 18 mandals with deficits of 50 per cent or more, 57 between 40 and 49 per cent, 106 between 30 and 39 per cent and 125 between 20 and 29 per cent. Seventeen districts are classed as deficient while sixteen have seen normal rainfall.
The last time Telangana made a formal drought declaration was in November 2015, when 231 mandals were covered. A declaration would open the door to central and state relief, including input subsidies for farmers and employment support. Neighbouring states have already moved, with Karnataka notifying 177 taluks and Maharashtra 265 as drought-affected. The decision puts pressure on the Revanth Reddy government at a time when farm distress and finances are both under strain.