Groundwater Levels In Visakhapatnam District Showing Mixed Trends

Visakhapatnam: Records related to groundwater levels in Visakhapatnam district between June 2025 and June 2026 are showing mixed trends across various mandals and villages. Levels are both falling and rising, underscoring the status of aquifers in the region.

Experts say the data underscores the uneven nature of groundwater dynamics in Visakhapatnam. While certain areas are showing an alarming fall in groundwater levels, others are indicating a recovery in the levels.

In general, groundwater levels have fallen in the urban and peri-urban regions, pointing to unsustainable extraction of water driven by rapid development and population growth. At the same time, the rising in groundwater levels suggest natural recharge or improved conservation practices.

For example, groundwater levels have fallen dramatically at Yendada in Visakhapatnam Rural from 19.39 metres in June 2025 to 30.37 metres in June 2026. Arilova has decreased from 22.57 metres to 28.7 metres, Madhurawada from 21.21 metres to 27.06 metres, and Peda Rushikonda from 16.89 metres to 22.84 metres. These figures suggest significant depletion in groundwater levels, pointing to the stress on local aquifers and growing strain in coastal zones.

Conversely, some areas have shown increase in groundwater levels. At Inada in Padmanabham water level has risen from 5.93 metres to 3.43 meters, while Nagarampalem in Bhimili has shown improvement from 6.26 metres to 4.35 metres. Anantavaram in Padmanabham has become better from 12.59 metres to 10.22 metres. These levels suggest groundwater recharge or reduced extraction.

Within the urban pockets, groundwater level in Seethammadara’s Sivajipalem area has fallen from 6.94 metres to 14.93 metres, while at BVK College in Visalakshi Nagar, the decrease is from 6.61 metres to 12.07 metres.

Gopalapatnam has recorded severe depletion. Groundwater level in the area has dropped from just 1.31 metres in 2025 to 9.33 metres in 2026. Narava in Pendurthi showed a similar pattern, falling from 0.34 metres to 4.36 metres. These figures highlight the mounting pressure in densely populated neighbourhoods.

Some areas have remained relatively stable. Chippada in Bhimili showed only a marginal dip from 1.44 metres to 1.38 metres, while Pandurangapuram in Maharanipeta barely shifted, moving from 7.99 metres to 7.9 metres, suggesting balanced extraction and recharge.

A major pointer the data reveals is that Visakhapatnam district requires measures to ensure groundwater recharge, particularly in the urban areas.