Hyderabad sees sharp groundwater rise after bountiful monsoon
HYDERABAD: Bountiful rains this monsoon have significantly replenished the city’s groundwater reserves, with levels rising by two to three metres across several areas, according to data from the Ground Water Department (GWD). Officials said consistent rainfall since July helped reverse the deficit seen at the start of the season. “The recent rainfall has replenished aquifers, ensuring that there will be no groundwater shortage during the next monsoon,” a senior GWD official said.
Until June-end, Hyderabad district had received only 28.4 mm rainfall against a normal of 96.3 mm, a shortfall of 71%. This led to a dip in groundwater levels in areas such as Bandlaguda, Asifnagar, Bahadurpura, Charminar, Himayatnagar, Golconda, Amberpet, Ameerpet, Khairatabad, Musheerabad, Marredpally, Secunderabad and Tirumalagiri.
However, rainfall picked up in July, recording 251.8 mm against a normal of 269.3 mm—a deviation of just 6%. By the end of July, groundwater levels in most localities had risen by one to two metres below ground level.
Sharp rise in August–September
With heavy downpours through August and September, several water bodies reached full capacity. The GWD reported an increase of two to four metres in groundwater levels across major parts of the city, including Marredpally, Himayatnagar, Charminar and Khairatabad.
The department’s data showed top recorded levels (in metres below ground level) improving from an average of 21.24 in June to 15.36 by September.
Tanker demand declines
Officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) confirmed that the improved water table reduced dependence on private tankers. Monthly tanker bookings, usually between 4,000 and 6,000, dropped to around 2,500–3,000 during the monsoon months.
City-based environmentalists said the widespread rainfall had recharged aquifers and eased water scarcity concerns. They, however, called for long-term water conservation measures to sustain the gains from this season.