Telangana may hit ‘zero day’ water crisis by 2034: Study
HYDERABAD: Telangana could face a “zero day” water situation by 2034 if current agricultural practices continue, with groundwater depletion projected to worsen sharply, a new analysis has warned.
Groundwater use nears critical threshold
The study says nearly 65% of the state’s groundwater resources are already being utilised, alarmingly close to the 70% critical threshold. If no corrective measures are taken, groundwater levels could fall by as much as 133% by 2047, severely affecting farm livelihoods.
According to the analysis, the current baseline groundwater level of 7.72 metres below ground level (MGBL) could drop to 13 MGBL by 2034, marking a decline of about 68%. If unchecked, it may further sink to 18 MGBL by 2047, the study cautioned.
Farming practices threaten livelihoods
The findings form part of a study titled “Telangana agriculture: Livelihood scenarios — the strategic choice scenarios across three horizons 2024–2034 and 2047”. The report warns that the prevailing situation could fundamentally undermine agricultural livelihoods unless corrective action begins immediately.
Telangana is among the country’s top five paddy-producing states, but the analysis notes that its agricultural success is increasingly colliding with a deepening water crisis driven by intensive groundwater use.
The study also highlighted declining soil health. Soil organic carbon, a key indicator of fertility and moisture retention, stands at just 0.4% in the state, far below the healthy range of 1.5% to 3%.
Findings presented at agriculture workshops
The report was presented at the Telangana Agriculture Futures workshops organised by the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission, the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, the Deccan Development Society and the University of Hyderabad.
Researchers said urgent changes in crop choices, irrigation practices and soil management are essential to avert a looming groundwater crisis in the state.
