Telangana Records Sharp Rise in Groundwater Levels After Excess Rainfall
January 2026 data shows statewide improvement in water table, with 88% mandals reporting rise; deep water-level areas shrink significantly
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-02-05 14:07 GMT
Hyderabad: Telangana has witnessed a significant improvement in its groundwater scenario, driven by excess rainfall during the 2025–26 water year, according to the latest assessment released by the State Ground Water Department.
As per the “Brief Note on State Ground Water Level Scenario – January 2026,” the average groundwater level across the State stood at 6.28 metres below ground level (mbgl) in January 2026, compared to 7.46 mbgl in January 2025, indicating a net rise of 1.18 metres year-on-year. The improvement is also notable when compared to the pre-monsoon period of May 2025, which recorded an average depth of 10.07 mbgl, reflecting a sharp recovery post-monsoon.
The positive trend coincides with excess rainfall of 37%, with Telangana receiving 1,178 mm of rainfall between June 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, against a normal of 859 mm. Of the 33 districts, 28 received excess rainfall, while only five recorded normal rainfall.
District-wise trends
Groundwater levels varied across districts, ranging from 3.50 mbgl in Khammam (shallowest) to 9.82 mbgl in Vikarabad (deepest). The highest rise in groundwater levels (4.51 metres) compared to January 2025 was recorded in Yadadri Bhongir, while Peddapally saw a marginal rise of 0.01 metres, the lowest in the State. A decline was observed only in a few pockets, notably Sircilla and parts of Bhupalpally.
Mandal-level analysis
A comparison with the decadal average (2016–2025) shows that groundwater levels improved in 549 out of 621 mandals (88%), with rises ranging from negligible to 18.92 metres. However, 72 mandals (12%) reported a fall, underlining the need for continued monitoring and localised interventions.
Shrinking deep-water zones
One of the most significant outcomes of the improved rainfall and recharge is the reduction in deep groundwater zones. Areas with water levels deeper than 20 metres declined by 3,081 sq km compared to May 2025, shrinking from 3,639 sq km to 558 sq km. Compared to the decadal average, deep water-level areas also reduced from 954 sq km to 558 sq km, indicating long-term gains.
Shallow groundwater levels (less than 5 mbgl) now account for about 39% of the State’s area, while moderately shallow levels (5–10 mbgl) cover 49%, making up nearly 90% of Telangana’s geographical area.