Will We Have to Dig Deeper and Deeper for Every Drop of Water?

Groundwater levels are declining at an alarming rate across Greater Hyderabad, raising concerns about the city’s future water security. Increasing population, rapid construction activity and excessive groundwater extraction, coupled with below-normal rainfall, have put significant pressure on underground water resources. According to the Telangana Groundwater Department’s October 2026 report, groundwater at the Kukatpally Tahsildar office was recorded at a depth of 48.35 metres. In KPHB, the water level stood at 34.94 metres, while the average depth across Greater Hyderabad reached 12.59 metres. This represents a decline of 7.17 metres compared with October 2025, when the average depth was 5.42 metres. Groundwater levels also dropped by 1.01 metres compared with September 2026.

The department monitored groundwater levels through 107 piezometers across 46 mandals in the GHMC and surrounding municipal areas. Between June 1 and October 31, 2026, Greater Hyderabad received only 484 mm of rainfall against the normal 729 mm, recording a 34% deficit. The situation is concerning across Telangana as well, where the average groundwater depth reached 8.28 metres, a decline of 3.86 metres compared with October 2025. The state received 628 mm of rainfall against the normal 831 mm, resulting in a 24% deficit. Vikarabad recorded the highest district-level average depth at 13.54 metres, followed by Sangareddy at 12.93 metres and Rangareddy at 12.75 metres. Experts have stressed the need for rainwater harvesting, restoration of lakes and ponds, construction of recharge pits, artificial groundwater recharge and better regulation of borewell usage to protect water resources.