Telangana’s Groundwater Crisis: Why Rainfall Alone Isn’t the Answer
Telangana, a state prone to erratic monsoons and droughts, faces a worsening groundwater crisis—even after years of above-average rainfall. Scientists warn that over-extraction, inefficient usage, and poor management are depleting aquifers faster than nature can replenish them.
The Paradox of High Rainfall and Falling Water Tables
Despite initiatives like Mission Kakatiya boosting surface water storage, groundwater levels in districts like Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar, and Rangareddy keep dropping. A study by IISc and CGWB confirms: rainfall alone won’t restore aquifers without better recharge systems.
“Without regulated extraction and recharge mechanisms, even heavy rains won’t help,” says hydrogeologist Dr. K. Rajendran.
Agriculture’s Thirst: Borewells Draining Telangana Dry
- 85% of groundwater goes to farming, with 2.5 million borewells in use.
- Water tables sink 2–3 meters yearly in some areas as farmers dig deeper.
“Stricter borewell rules and water-efficient crops are essential,” urges activist S. Jaya Rao.
Cities and Industries Intensify the Problem
Hyderabad’s urban sprawl and industries like pharma strain groundwater supplies. Illegal extraction by construction projects worsens shortages.
“Robust enforcement is needed to penalize violators,” says water expert Dr. Meera Singh.
5 Solutions for Sustainable Groundwater
- Expand rainwater harvesting – Mandate recharge pits, check dams, and percolation tanks.
- Promote smart farming – Drip irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and crop rotation.
- Regulate borewells – Ban new ones in critical zones; digitize extraction data.
- Reuse treated water – Scale up sewage recycling for non-drinking needs.
- Engage communities – Involve locals in aquifer mapping and conservation.
Is the Government Doing Enough?
While Mission Bhagiratha improves rural water supply, experts demand demand-side measures:
“Education, incentives, and penalties for waste are crucial,” says Dr. Rajendran.
The Bottom Line
Climate change makes rainfall unreliable. Telangana must act now—or face droughts driven by poor planning, not just dry skies.
“Water is finite. Without foresight, the next crisis will be man-made,” warns Dr. Singh.
