Groundwater levels in Telangana’s urban areas dip by 6.85 metres; experts suggest aerators to taps, treated water to lakes

The groundwater levels in 46 mandals in three Municipal Corporations in and around Hyderabad in September this year fell by 6.85 metres when compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. While the average depth to groundwater levels were 4.73 metres below ground level (bgl) in September 2025, it fell to 11.58 m bgl in the month this year. 

This is a point of concern as declining water levels are under focus due to the impact of El Nino and potential shortage of the natural resource. 

Of the 46 mandals in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri and Sangareddy districts, the lowest of 20.67 mgl was recorded in Kukatpally (Medchal), meaning one has to dig too deep to find water. This was followed by 19.46 m bgl in Hayatnagar (Rangareddy), 19.25 m bgl in Shankarpalle (Rangareddy), 18.23 m ngl in Medipalle (Medchal), 17.11 in Malkajgirii (Medchal), according to Ground Water Department’s September report on the levels in mandals in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation, and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation.

The best groundwater levels were 1.87 m bgl in Shaikpet, 2.90 m bgl in Himayatnagar and 3 m bgl in Ameenpur. 

Average depth to groundwater levels in mbgl

Environmentalist and water policy expert Donthi Narasimha Reddy said that a fall in groundwater levels means people have to dig deeper borewells, which will further deplete groundwater levels. He said that recharging dried up or existing waterbodies (lakes, ponds) is crucial to replenish the groundwater levels. 

Vishwanath Srikanth, water conservation expert, said that treated waste water from Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) should be used to fill lakes and other water bodies. He said that people can conserve water everyday by using aerators — which mixes air into the water flow. This can save up to 40% water. 

“Besides, people can water their plants early morning or late evening, which leads to less evaporation. Use the washing machine once every two to three days with full load rather than using it everyday,” said Mr. Srikanth.  People can choose eco-friendly soaps and detergents in kitchens and bathrooms. The water which goes waste is easier to treat, and can be used to water plants, he said.

Piezometer wise average depth to water levels

Kalpana Ramesh, founder The Rainwater Project, said while there is focus on rainwater harvesting pits (RWH), they are not maintained which makes the structures inefficient. She said that their survey in Kondapur showed 85% RWH pits do not work primarily due to lack of maintenance, which includes silt removal. Alternatives to do away with the maintenance are available. Also, if the pits are dug up over rock, water may percolate to shallow aquifers but not deeper aquifers from where water is drawn through borewells, she said. 

Piezometer wise average depth to water levels

Senior officials have been taking stock of the situation in the State, including urban districts. Contingency plans were charted to avoid water shortage. 

Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj mentioned at a recent meeting with Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju that groundwater levels in Rangareddy are fast declining and plans are being implemented to avoid water shortage. Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan said that permission for new borewells for construction and other activities should not be granted. The permissions are granted only to deepen existing borewells for drinking water purposes. 

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board recently announced dial-a-green tanker service to supply treated water from Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP) for works at construction sites, industries, landscaping and other purposes which do not need potable water.