HYDERABAD: While the recent spells of rain across Hyderabad did offer some relief from the sweltering heat, groundwater levels in the city remain largely unaffected.
The reason? Widespread concretisation that hindered rainwater infiltration, causing most of the runoff to drain into stormwater systems rather than replenishing underground aquifers.
Between May 1 and 15 this year, over 1.14 lakh water tankers were booked by consumers through the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), with a daily average exceeding 7,610 bookings — similar to previous years.
Officials confirmed that the rains had minimal impact on groundwater recharge, with most water flowing into drains instead of soaking into the soil. The groundwater in Hyderabad is classified as overexploited.
Authorities have pointed to the lack of rainwater percolation due to urban development and inadequate implementation of Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS). Though about 45–50% of houses and apartments have RWHS pits, many have become defunct due to poor maintenance. As borewells dry up during summer, the dependency on tankers continues.
Officials said that any noteworthy recharge would require 10 to 15 consecutive days of rainfall. This means that occasional spells of rain are insufficient to restore groundwater levels. Recharge wells, or injection wells, are also being considered as a solution for direct percolation into deeper aquifers. HMWSSB has been promoting RWHS and public awareness on their benefits.
The HMWSSB has urged the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to enforce stricter compliance under the WALTA Act, particularly by verifying RWHS construction before granting Occupancy Certificates for buildings over 200 square metres. HMWSSB has also offered technical assistance for RWHS installation.
RWHS mandatory in state for buildings in 200 sq m or more
The state government has made it mandatory under Section 17(2) of the Water, Land & Trees Act, 2002, for all premises over 200 sq m to construct and maintain RWHS to aid groundwater recharge. Officials attributed the falling water table to human activity, including encroachment of buffer zones and constructions over tank beds and FTLs of water bodies.
The dips and rises
The Groundwater department recorded levels during April 2025 through 57 piezometers across 46 mandals within GHMC limits up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Compared to March 2025, the area registered a net fall of 0.40 metres. However, compared to April 2024, a slight rise of 0.08 metres was recorded.
During April 2025, groundwater levels ranged from 1.16 metres below ground level (mbgl) at Bahadurpura to 28.23 mbgl at Kukatpally, with an average of 12.01 mbgl. Moderately deep levels (15–20 mbgl) covered about 35% of the area, predominantly in the north, northwest and eastern parts. Water levels deeper than 20 mbgl were noted in areas including Serilingampally, Hayathnagar, Saroornagar, and Kukatpally.
A comparison with decadal averages (April 2015–2024) revealed a rise in groundwater levels in 22 mandals. Eight mandals recorded an increase of more than 2 metres. The long-term trend from 2014 to April 2025 suggests an average annual rise of 40 cm.
