The groundwater situation in the state is raising serious concerns. On one hand, due to rising population, expanding urbanization, and agricultural needs, the consumption of groundwater is increasing significantly. In addition to this, the balance between rainfall, the volume of water seeping into the ground, and groundwater usage has been disrupted, causing water levels to drop rapidly. A report by the Groundwater Department reveals that groundwater levels in several parts of the state have decreased significantly compared to last year.
The situation is becoming alarming in the limits of Greater Hyderabad, as well as Medchal-Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, Nalgonda, and Sangareddy districts. Statistics indicate that the average groundwater level in the state has fallen by about 5 meters compared to last year. This situation highlights the urgent need for the government to focus immediately on water resource conservation and groundwater rejuvenation.
Declining water levels in cities: Greater Hyderabad is at the forefront of regions experiencing declining groundwater. With population growth, along with the expansion of residential complexes, commercial buildings, and industries, water demands are increasing. In many areas, people have to rely solely on borewells for their drinking water needs. The rate at which water is being pumped out is not matched by the rate at which water seeps back into the ground. Due to the El Niño effect, rainfall this year was not at the expected level, and water tables did not rise. As a result, groundwater is depleting rapidly.
Groundwater statistics: In Greater Hyderabad, the groundwater level has dropped from 3.57 meters to 10.01 meters, recording a depth of about 6.44 meters. Officials state that water levels are at a depth of 6.29 meters in Medchal-Malkajgiri district and 6.17 meters in Vikarabad district. Meanwhile, reports indicate that in some areas of Nalgonda and Sangareddy districts, water has reached a depth of 8 to 12 meters. It is important to note that there are regional variations in water levels, with some places in the same district showing better conditions while others have worsened. Similarly, levels have dropped to a depth of 9 to 13 meters in Mahabubnagar, Vikarabad, and Nagarkurnool districts. Officials stated that water is available at a depth of 4 to 7 meters in canal-irrigated districts like Khammam, Suryapet, Peddapalli, and Jagtial, while areas where water has gone beyond 10 meters depth have entered the dangerous category.
How much water seeps into the ground? With the increase in roads, concrete structures, and pavements in urban areas, the chances of rainwater directly seeping into the ground are decreasing. Encroachments on lakes, ponds, canals, and natural water flow routes, or the reduction of their storage capacity, are also impacting water management. Experts note that the decline of groundwater in Hyderabad is caused by a rainfall deficit, the inability to effectively recharge rainwater into the ground, and urbanization.
What if borewells fail? As groundwater goes deeper, families, apartments, small industries, and households dependent on agricultural bores are likely to be affected. As water levels drop, supply in some borewells may decrease, and others run the risk of drying up completely. Actions like drilling new borewells and taking existing ones deeper are increasing the financial burden on families.
Impact on the agricultural sector: Water availability is also crucial in the agricultural sector. If water levels drop in areas heavily dependent on groundwater for cultivation, crop production costs are likely to increase. Increased electricity consumption for borewell maintenance and the extra effort required to pump up water will become an additional burden for farmers. However, the severity of these impacts depends on local geographical conditions, bore depth, crop type, and the availability of alternative water sources. Out of 53,685 water bodies in the state, 53,244 are located in rural areas.
Danger bells in projects: Projects in the Krishna and Godavari basins in the state are ringing danger bells, with water levels lower than last year. The El Niño effect is showing a clear impact on the state. Out of the total capacity of 215.81 TMCs in Srisailam project, there is currently only 64.42 TMCs, compared to 207.85 TMCs on the same date last year. Nagarjuna Sagar has only 189.16 TMCs of water out of 312.03 TMCs, compared to 310.85 TMCs last year. Singur project currently has 3.46 TMCs out of 29.91 TMCs, while it had 16.62 TMCs last year. Similarly, Nizam Sagar project has only 10.50 TMCs out of 17.80 TMCs, whereas it was at full reservoir level last year. Sriram Sagar also holds 41.42 TMCs out of 80.50 TMCs, compared to full capacity last year. Mid Manair has 23.44 TMCs out of 27.55 TMCs, Lower Manair has 15.45 TMCs out of 24.03 TMCs, Kaddam project has 2.97 TMCs out of 3.50 TMCs, and Sripada Yellampalli project has 18.20 TMCs out of 20.18 TMCs. Official statistics state that as of October 15 last year, it was 20.18 TMCs.
In view of the current conditions, officials state that groundwater levels are likely to go down even further.
