El Nino Impact Deepens Visakhapatnam’s Groundwater Woes

July data show aquifers continue to recede despite intermittent showers, underscoring the fragile state of water security in the region.

The latest groundwater observations reveal a mixed trend, but the overall picture points to inadequate recharge in fast-growing urban areas. At Arilova, the water table plunged to 36.25 metres below ground level (mbgl) in July, a steep fall from 28.70 metres in June. Yendada followed with 30.86 metres, while Madhurawada recorded 27.23 metres.

Peda Rushikonda, another rapidly urbanising locality, reported groundwater at 24.14 metres, reflecting sustained stress on the aquifer.

Other areas with significantly deep levels included YSR Park (16.18m), Sivajipalem (15.78m), Kanithi Colony (13.14m), Visalakshinagar (12.89m), Marikavalasa (12.13m) and Pendurthi (12.17m). In Anandapuram mandal, Sonthyam (11.88m), Pandalapaka (10.82m) and Vellanki (10.14m) registered further declines, highlighting limited recharge despite intermittent rainfall.

Some localities, however, showed modest improvement. Aganampudi witnessed groundwater rising from 9.28 metres in June to 8.27 in July, while Bheemunipatnam improved from 8.71 metres to 8.31. Similar gains were observed at Pandurangapuram, APSIDC, BHPV, Gollalapalem, Steel Plant, Devada, Narava and Palavalasa, suggesting that localised showers contributed to partial recharge in these pockets. The shallowest levels were recorded at Palavalasa (0.74m), Chukkavanipalem (1.5m) and Chippada (2.06m), where groundwater remained relatively close to the surface.

In contrast, Nagarampalem witnessed one of the sharper month-on-month declines, falling from 4.35 metres in June to 6.35 metres in July.

Officials note that groundwater behaviour varies with geology, rainfall distribution, land use, and extraction. The sharp declines in Arilova, Yendada, Madhurawada and Rushikonda are particularly significant, as these areas have witnessed rapid urban expansion over the past decade. Increased demand for groundwater, coupled with reduced natural recharge due to paved surfaces and shrinking open spaces, has exacerbated the crisis.

Experts emphasise that monsoon rainfall alone cannot reverse depletion unless rainwater is effectively captured and allowed to percolate into the ground. They stress that every household should install at least one rainwater harvesting pit or recharge structure to divert rooftop runoff into the soil instead of drains.

Decentralised recharge systems, combined with protection of lakes, ponds, open spaces and natural drainage channels, are considered essential for improving reserves and ensuring long-term water security.

Officials concluded that while July brought scattered showers, much of the rainfall was localised and insufficient to replenish aquifers already under stress from consecutive dry spells, urbanisation and increasing extraction.

Without urgent measures to conserve rainwater and strengthen recharge infrastructure, Visakhapatnam risks facing a deepening groundwater crisis.