Telangana’s groundwater levels drop further in a month as rain deficit soars; lowest in Vikarabad, Hyderabad periphery

Four Telangana districts have average water level in the range of less than 5 m bgl – the 4.21 m bgl in Jagtial was followed by 4.34 m bgl in Khammam; 4.48 m bgl in Mahabubabad, and 4.76 m bgl in Mancherial. File photo

The average groundwater levels in Telangana has dropped further. From 7.52 metres below ground level (m bgl) in September, it fell to 8.28 m bgl in October, 2026, meaning one has to go deeper to tap groundwater. This is observed when the rainfall deficit in the State, recorded between June 1 and October 31, was 24%, from 17% till the end of September, indicating striking impact of El Nino weather phenomena.

Of the 33 districts in the State, the deepest average groundwater level of 13.54 m bgl was recorded in Vikarabad, and the shallowest of 4.21 m bgl in Jagtial, as per State Ground Water Department’s October report. The water levels were monitored through 1,771 Piezometres covering all mandals. Moderately deep (15-20 m bgl) and very deep-water levels (over 20 m bgl) was found in nearly 8% of the State area.

A total of 10 districts have average depth to water levels over 10 m bgl, which means borewells have to go deeper to fetch groundwater. The 13.54 m bgl in Vikarabad was followed by 12.93 m bgl in Sangareddy; 12.75 m bgl in Rangareddy; 12.67 m bgl in Medchal Malkajgiri; 11.96 m bgl in Mahabubnagar; 11.48 m bgl in Medak; 11.12 m bgl in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri; 11.1 m bgl in Hyderabad; 10.74 m bgl in Jayashankar Bhupalapally and 10.05 m bgl in Kamareddy.

And, four districts have average water level in the range of less than 5 m bgl – the 4.21 m bgl in Jagtial was followed by 4.34 m bgl in Khammam; 4.48 m bgl in Mahabubabad, and 4.76 m bgl in Mancherial.

Overall, shallow water levels (less than 5 m bgl) covers nearly 24% of the State area, water levels in the range of 5 m bgl to 10 m bgl cover around 46%, and 22% of the State area has water levels in the range of 10-15 m bgl.

The State received 628 mm rainfall against 831 normal rainfall. While 11 districts recorded normal rainfall ( -19% to -3%), 22 districts recorded deficit (-20% to -50%).

Officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments have been anticipating the groundwater levels to drop. They said it may deplete further in the coming months. Officials from these and electricity departments have earlier urged farmers to choose less-water intensive crops for Yasangi (Rabi) and skip paddy. The State government has recently declared 365 mandals in 31 districts as drought-affected for Kharif-2026 following deficit rainfall in southwest monsoon. The 111 mandals were classified as severely drought-affected and 254 as moderately affected.

The discussions on potential water shortage due to the prevailing impact of El Nino and methods to conserve is taking centre stage across the State. Farmers fear loss of crops if they go for cultivation in Rabi. The discussions may gain momentum as the government is deploying artistes to spread the message on impact of the weather phenomena. Children too may begin talking about it as Hyderabad district administration planned to hold the awareness sessions in schools and colleges.

A water conservation expert, Vishwanath Srikantaiah, has said that water can be conserved everyday by using aerators - which mix air into the water flow - which can save up to 40% water. He has suggested people to water plants in the morning and late evening which cuts down evaporation. Use washing machines once in two to three days with full load.

In the city, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) launched a ‘Dial a green tanker service’ to provide treated water from Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP) for non-potable purposes at parks, construction sites, industrial units and other places. It launched a Paani app for people to lodge complaints on water wastage.

Telangana / Hyderabad / rains / groundwater