Telangana Government Urges Energy Conservation Amid Rising Demand and El Niño Effects

Hyderabad, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : The Telangana government has issued directives to its offices to conserve electricity in response to rising demand and the adverse effects of El Niño. Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju announced on Monday that all government offices should set air conditioners to 25 degrees Celsius, using them only when necessary during the day. After 6 PM, their usage should be significantly reduced.

Despite the challenges in power generation, the government continues to supply electricity for agricultural and domestic needs. Notably, there are no power cuts imposed on industries, alleviating concerns for industrial management regarding electricity availability.

Jaju instructed officials to take all necessary measures to maximize power generation at the state’s thermal power stations. He specifically directed five special officers at the Yadadri Thermal Power Station to implement dedicated strategies to enhance production.

Additionally, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for micro-level emergency plans to mitigate potential shortages of drinking water and electricity due to El Niño. He held a video conference with senior officials appointed to monitor conditions in various districts and reviewed the current situation.

During the meeting, Jaju revealed that the government has already developed departmental emergency plans to address severe conditions arising from El Niño and is issuing timely directives. He stressed the importance of creating similar plans at the grassroots level.

To further explain the impacts of El Niño, a multi-party meeting will be convened soon, along with a cabinet subcommittee meeting.

Energy department officials reported illegal extraction of water from local sources using dedicated motor pumps for agricultural work. This excessive withdrawal is increasing the electrical load and causing local transformers to burn out.

Due to a lack of water supply from the Manjira and Singur reservoirs, officials reported that an average of 110 million gallons per day is being supplemented from alternative sources, including 60 million gallons from Mission Bhagiratha and additional supplies from the Krishna River and other sources.

Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan stated that permits for borewells in Hyderabad will be granted only for drinking water purposes, adhering to established regulations. No new borewells will be allowed for construction or other activities, although deepening existing borewells for drinking water needs is permitted.

He also announced a special campaign against the illegal installation of motor pumps on municipal water lines in Hyderabad, aimed at curbing excessive water extraction. This initiative will be coordinated with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and other agencies to identify and remove illegal pumps.

Furthermore, Ranjan declared that starting November 1, treated water from the sewage treatment plant (STP) will be delivered to construction sites in Hyderabad via green water tankers.

Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj noted a significant decline in groundwater levels in the Ranga Reddy district. To ensure there is no shortage of drinking water, alternative plans are being developed and implemented.