Hyderabad groundwater levels drop sharply across city
HYDERABAD: Groundwater levels across the Hyderabad metropolitan area are ringing alarm bells, with official data showing a drop of two to three feet compared to last year. Experts warn that if the decline continues, the city could face drinking water stress even before the peak summer months.
In several peripheral areas, borewell water levels have fallen to depths of 15 to 20 metres. With many borewells already running dry, residents are increasingly dependent on tanker supply, raising concerns over availability for daily needs during summer.
The Water Board, already managing supply based on allocations made a decade ago, may face mounting pressure as tanker demand increases. Groundwater experts said levels are likely to fall further over the next two months.
Red zone alert in 13 mandals
Official reports show that 13 of the 46 mandals under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation have slipped into the ‘red zone’, indicating severe groundwater stress.
In areas such as Ameerpet, S R Nagar, Kukatpally, Bachupally and Dundigal, groundwater levels have fallen beyond 20 metres. In northern, north-western and eastern parts of the city, levels are between 15 and 20 metres.
While some pockets within Hyderabad district show marginal improvement over last year, groundwater conditions in Ranga Reddy and Medchal–Malkajgiri districts remain a cause for concern.
Data show that in December 2025, groundwater levels fell by an average of 0.99 metres compared to November.
Rainfall fails to recharge aquifers
Despite above-average rainfall, groundwater recharge has remained limited due to rapid urbanisation and concrete surfaces preventing rainwater percolation.
Against a normal rainfall of 746 mm, the GHMC area recorded 1,008 mm of rain by December 31, 2025 about 35% above normal. Of the 46 mandals, 37 recorded 20% to 75% excess rainfall, while nine recorded near-normal rainfall ranging from 3% to 19%.
Although groundwater levels rose by 5.41 metres from the monsoon season to December, the year-on-year increase for the same month was limited to just 1.96 metres.
Area-wise analysis shows that groundwater levels are within 5 metres of the surface in about 10% of the area, between 5 and 10 metres in 71%, between 10 and 15 metres in 14%, and between 15 and 20 metres in about 3%.
Compared with previous records, around 28 mandals have reported a slight decline, while 12 mandals have seen an increase of more than 2 metres. In a few areas, groundwater levels have dropped below earlier recorded lows.
