Cyclone Montha | Telangana CM directs officials to prevent losses to harvested paddy and other crops

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday (October 29, 2025) has directed the Agriculture department officials to take steps to prevent losses to the harvested crop dried in various districts, due to incessant rains under the influence of cyclone Montha.

The Chief Minister enquired about the impact of the cyclone on the State with senior officials as widespread rains were reported at the time of harvesting paddy crop. He wanted steps to be taken at the purchase points to ensure that paddy and cotton brought to markets did not soak due to rains. He said the impact of the cyclone was higher in the erstwhile united Khammam, Warangal and Nalgonda, and rains were also reported in Hyderabad and other districts. Officials and staff should be on high alert to take steps in advance to minimise losses.

As South Central Railway cancelled or diverted several trains, officials should take steps to avoid inconvenience to passengers. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials should ensure effective coordination between them in the districts severely affected by rains under the guidance of the district collectors concerned.

He directed administration at the district level to be on high alert as there was scope for flooding by streams and canals and steps should be taken to shift people from low lying areas to relief camps set up at safer places.

Monitor water levels in water bodies

The Irrigation department officials should monitor water levels in different water bodies and give information about the release of water from them in advance. Vehicular movement should be prevented on low level bridges and culverts where water stagnation was reported., Officials of police and revenue departments should erect barricades near all such points, he said.

The Municipal Administration and Rural Development departments were directed to on alert and take steps in advance to prevent spread of communicable diseases. The Health department on its part should keep adequate stocks of medicine ready and open medical camps in places where there was need. Steps should be taken to avoid loss of lives, property and cattle in the affected districts.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for effective coordination between Revenue, Panchayat Raj, R&B, Energy, Health and police departments to tackle the situation.