Representational Image- Monsoon— DC File

KURNOOL: Groundwater levels have fallen further across Andhra Pradesh at the end of the southwest monsoon in the state. The situation is particularly alarming in Rayalaseema.

According to the latest government data, groundwater levels checked in October have fallen compared to September, with several districts recording levels at considerable depths.

The data recorded till 2 p.m. on October 4 showed that Eluru district recorded the lowest groundwater level in the state at 22.35 metres, which is also the lowest in the past 20 years, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The average groundwater level in Rayalaseema is at 14.14 metres, while the average in coastal Andhra is 8.55 metres. Figures indicate that groundwater is considerably deeper in Rayalaseema, compared to the coastal region.

Among the Rayalaseema districts, Sri Sathya Sai has the lowest groundwater level at 21.18 metres. It is followed by Annamayya at 18.68 metres and Anantapur at 15.27 metres. The average groundwater level in YSR Kadapa is 13.90 metres, Nandyal 9.17 metres, Tirupati 8.69 metres, Kurnool 8.57 metres, and Chittoor 7.90 metres.

The declining groundwater level in the state is a matter of concern, as it contributes to drinking water as well as irrigation needs. The problem is particularly severe in villages, where people and farmers depend almost entirely on borewells. In areas where groundwater has fallen beyond 20 metres, farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to draw water for cultivation.

Kurnool collector Dr. A. Siri said the decline in groundwater levels is one of the criteria they took into consideration while identifying drought-affected mandals in the district.

The decline is being attributed to inadequate rainfall, high temperatures, and increased dependence on groundwater for agricultural operations. Continuous pumping out of groundwater for irrigation, particularly in areas with limited rainfall, has affected the recharge of aquifers.

The problem is not confined to Rayalaseema. East Godavari has recorded groundwater levels at around 20 metres in some areas. In Markapuram district, groundwater has fallen to more than 18 metres in several locations, creating difficulties in drinking water supply.

A resident of Giddalur Ganji Veeranna water is being supplied in their village once in three days.

Officials said the continuing fall in groundwater levels is bound to put additional pressure on drinking water supplies and agricultural activity in the coming months, particularly in the drought-prone areas of Rayalaseema.

10 AP districts where the levels of groundwater are lowest as on October 4, 2026:

District

Groundwater Level (metres)

Eluru

22.35

Sri Sathya Sai

21.18

Markapuram

20.99

East Godavari

20.77

Annamayya

18.68

Anantapur

15.27

YSR Kadapa

13.90

Palnadu

11.03

Nandyal

9.17

Krishna

9.04


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