Rush for Borewells Intensifies As El Niño Drying Up Rayalaseema

Kurnool: Severe drought conditions triggered by the El Niño effect have led to a massive surge in drilling of borewells across Rayalaseema, with farmers hoping to save their standing crops amid rapidly depleting groundwater levels.

With virtually no rainfall recorded so far this season, vast stretches of Kharif farmlands have turned barren. Farmers who have already taken up cultivation are facing acute water scarcity. This is forcing them to invest heavily in new borewells in a desperate bid to salvage their crops.

According to estimates, over 40,000 borewells have been drilled in Kurnool, Nandyal, and Kadapa districts since April 25. Officials say currently, 400 to 500 new borewells on an average are being dug every day across these districts.

In Kadapa district, drilling of borewells has intensified in Badvel and Jammalamadugu constituencies. In several areas, such as Kalasapadu and Atlur mandals, borewells are being drilled to depths of up to 800 feet.

“We have no option but to drill deeper as our sweet lime orchard is drying up. I have dug a borewell up to 810 feet, which cost me around Rs 1.2 lakh,” said N. Balamaddi Reddy, a farmer from Narasapuram village in Badvel constituency.

Similarly, in Yerraguntla mandal of Jammalamadugu constituency, older borewells dug till the depths of 400 feet have gone dry, forcing farmers to invest in new ones.

Groundwater levels have hit alarming lows across several regions, including Pattikonda, Adoni, Alur, and Kodumur in Kurnool district, as well as Banaganapalle and Dhone in Nandyal district.

“Water tables have dropped to critical levels. Even if farmers drill deeper borewells, the water may not sustain for long, unless there is sufficient rainfall,” warned senior geologist V. Maheswara Naidu from Nandyal. “It is advisable to avoid water-intensive crops during this Kharif season,” he maintained.

Horticulture sector has also taken a severe hit due to the prolonged dry spell. Crops such as chilli, tomato, brinjal, and okra have seen a sharp decline in acreage, with officials estimating nearly a 50 per cent drop compared to normal cultivation.

“We have been advising farmers since April not to opt for water-intensive crops. Instead, we have suggested crops that can withstand low rainfall,” said Nandyal district Horticulture officer U. Nagaraju.

Kharif season officially began on June 1. But with July nearing the halfway point and no significant rainfall recorded, concerns are mounting. Officials estimate that another 40,000 borewells may be drilled by August if the situation does not improve.

Farmers say their mounting costs are pushing them into deeper financial distress.

“To save our existing crops, we are forced to spend between Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 1.4 lakh on each borewell. This is an additional burden on us,” said C. Venkatasubbaiah, a farmer from Vempalle mandal in Pulivendula constituency.

Experts warn that unchecked borewell drilling could further worsen groundwater depletion, making sustainable water management difficult.