Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Telangana Faces Severe Groundwater Crisis
Telangana is facing a serious problem with its groundwater.
Farmers rely on this water for growing crops, but the government says the water is running out.
At the start of the crop season, there were 506 tmc ft of groundwater, but now only 269 tmc ft are left.
This water needs to last through the current kharif season and next year's rabi season, as well as for drinking water.
The government warns that rainfall is expected to be much lower than usual, making the situation worse.
Farmers are worried because they depend on this water to grow their crops, and there are many borewells in use.
The government is trying to manage the situation, but it's going to be very challenging.
Telangana's groundwater reserves have depleted from 506 tmc ft to 269 tmc ft.
The remaining groundwater must sustain agriculture and drinking water needs until the next monsoon.
Groundwater extraction for agriculture has increased from 235 tmc ft in 2019-20 to 256 tmc ft in 2022.
The government projects a 30% rain deficiency, leading to a further dip in groundwater levels.
Around 28 lakh agricultural borewells are expected to be in use during the kharif season.
- Who
- Farmers and the Telangana government
- What
- Groundwater depletion and conservation efforts
- When
- During the 2025-26 crop season and beyond
- Where
- Telangana, India
- Why
- Due to a rainfall deficit year and increased groundwater extraction for agriculture
Government
Farmers
Groundwater Conservation
Government
The government emphasizes the need for strict conservation measures to manage the remaining 269 tmc ft of groundwater.
Farmers
Farmers may struggle to sustain their crops with the limited groundwater available, especially during the kharif and rabi seasons.
- Initial Groundwater Reserves
- 506 tmc ft
- Groundwater Used
- 237 tmc ft
- Remaining Groundwater
- 269 tmc ft
- Groundwater Extraction Increase
- From 235 tmc ft in 2019-20 to 256 tmc ft in 2022
- Projected Groundwater Level Dip
- From 9.46 MGBL in June to 11.01 MGBL in August
- Expected Rain Deficiency
- 30% overall rain deficiency till August
- Number of Agricultural Borewells
- 28 lakh