Hyderabad groundwater table drops to 11.10 metres below ground level
The city's average groundwater depth has fallen significantly from last year's baseline of 4.80 metres, according to a Groundwater Department report.
The average groundwater table in Hyderabad has fallen to 11.10 metres below ground level (m bgl) this monsoon, according to a report by Telangana Today. This marks a sharp decrease from the previous year's baseline of 4.80 m bgl.
The Groundwater Department (GWD) reported that levels across 16 mandals in the Hyderabad district varied. Aliabad in Bandlaguda mandal recorded 1.20 m bgl, while Greenlands in Ameerpet reached 35.74 metres.
Golconda was identified as the hardest-hit zone with a maximum fall of 25.44 metres, according to the GWD report. A city-based environmentalist stated that the disruption of natural underground aquifer recharge cycles is caused by uncontrolled commercial borewell extraction.
Rainfall data shows Hyderabad district recorded 488.3 mm in October 2026, which is 34 mm less than the normal 741.1 mm. Every one of the 16 mandals in the district recorded a rainfall deficit this monsoon.
Tirumalagiri saw the highest rainfall deficit at 45 per cent, while Saidabad recorded a 44 per cent shortfall. Other significant deficits included 41 per cent in the Charminar area and 40 per cent in Nampally.
A senior GWD official said the crisis is heavily localised based on groundwater extraction pressure and infrastructure density. The decline has led to residents digging more than twice as deep for water and increased reliance on private tankers.