Telangana Cabinet clears DA, seeks Centre aid for El Nino

The Telangana Cabinet on Thursday, 1 October, approved the release of two pending Dearness Allowance instalments for government employees and pensioners, incurring an additional annual financial burden of about Rs 2,500 crore. The Cabinet also formed a sub-committee to assess losses from El Nino conditions, with the state to seek Central assistance based on its report.

Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said the state recorded a 17% rainfall deficit in the monsoon that ended 30 September, with 235 mandals severely affected. Power consumption hit a record peak demand of 19,892 MW against 16,613 MW last year. The Cabinet approved procuring adequate power and new renewable energy projects totalling about 7,800 MW, including 3,000 MW of solar, 4,000 MW of battery storage, and 800 MW of wind.

Other decisions include expediting a world-class fruit market at Koheda in Rangareddy district with government funds, cancelling 10 incomplete EPC irrigation projects, and approving a digital media advertising policy. An all-party meeting and a subsequent emergency Cabinet meeting will be held to finalise mitigation measures.