Civil society groups seek postponement of Telangana Global Summit amid drought

Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based civil society groups, resident welfare associations and activists have urged the State government to postpone Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled from December 7 to 9 at Bharat Future City near Hyderabad, citing severe drought in 365 mandals across 31 districts.

In an open letter to the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday, the United Federation of RWAs said holding the summit during the water crisis would divert scarce water, electricity, public funds, officials and administrative attention from drought relief. It sought postponement until conditions normalised and the drought order was withdrawn.

UFERWAS cited GO Ms No. 3, dated Oct 24-2026, which declared drought across the state because of El Niño conditions. It said the situation could worsen in the coming months.

The signatories said water shortages had forced schools and colleges to declare holidays, while several government hostels had sent children home. They said parts of Hyderabad were receiving only a few litres of water every three to four days and the IT sector was considering work-from-home arrangements.

The groups also criticised Bharat Summit, being held in Hyderabad from November 12 to 14, saying the state could not afford another large event during the crisis. They sought financial, administrative and human resources to protect lives and livelihoods.