Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Telangana Faces Falling Groundwater and Rising Water Stress
Telangana did not receive enough rain during the southwest monsoon.
This means less water was stored in reservoirs and underground.
People may use more groundwater to meet their needs.
Officials expect groundwater levels to fall in many districts.
Some places could see the water table drop by as much as six metres.
Hyderabad may face extra pressure because water from Singur Reservoir could decrease in about 70 days.
The city’s groundwater is also expected to become harder to reach.
The forecasts are based on expected rain, local rocks, farming and water use.
Officials say water stress could continue in the coming months.
Telangana ended the southwest monsoon with a net rainfall deficit of 17 percent.
State officials expect groundwater levels to decline further because of rainfall shortages, extraction and cropping patterns.
Statewide groundwater levels deepened from 7.52 to 11.24 metres below ground level by September 30.
Hyderabad’s groundwater level is projected to fall from 10.01 metres below ground level in September to 14.05 metres in October.
About 40 percent of Hyderabad’s water supply from Singur Reservoir could run out within roughly 70 days.
- Who
- Telangana residents, state government officials and the India Meteorological Department are involved in the assessment.
- What
- Groundwater levels in Telangana are expected to fall further, increasing pressure on already low reservoir storage and water supplies.
- When
- The concern covers the coming months, with projections for October and conditions expected to remain difficult through at least the end of the year.
- Where
- Across Telangana, including Hyderabad and districts such as Kamareddy, Medak, Ranga Reddy and Vikarabad.
- Why
- The state recorded a 17 percent southwest monsoon rainfall deficit, while additional rainfall shortages, groundwater demand, cropping patterns and local geology are expected to worsen conditions.
- Southwest monsoon deficit
- Telangana recorded a net overall rainfall deficit of 17 percent.
- Expected October deficit
- Officials expect rainfall could be up to 30 percent below normal in October.
- Statewide groundwater
- The average level deepened from 7.52 MBGL to 11.24 MBGL by September 30.
- Hyderabad projection
- The average level is projected to deepen from 10.01 MBGL in September to 14.05 MBGL in October.
- Most shallow September level
- Khammam recorded the shallowest average level at 3.56 MBGL.
- Most depleted September level
- Vikarabad recorded the deepest average level at 11.96 MBGL.
- Hyderabad supply risk
- Singur Reservoir provides around 40 percent of Hyderabad’s water supply, and those supplies may last roughly 70 more days.