Poor rainfall, shrinking lakes, depleting water levels in reservoirs and drawing of excess water through borewells have had an impact on the groundwater levels in different areas of the city.
A study of hydrographs indicates that over the years, water table has depleted in many places like Bowenpally, Aghapura, Erragadda, Basheerbagh, Langer Houz, Jubilee Hills, Begumpet, Koti, West Marredpally, Gudimalkapur, Musheerabad, Sanathnagar, Madhapur, said Dr. P.D. Sridevi, Principal Investigator of National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).
Addressing a workshop on ‘Groundwater in Hyderabad: Issues of Access and Regulation’, she said that the groundwater being exploited through borewells from depths ranging up to 300 metres so much so that in the pre-monsoon, water level was plummeting between five metres to 20 metres Below Ground Level (BGL).
There was slight improvement post-monsoon with the BGL being two to 15 metres. Hyderabad and its surrounding areas like Shamshabad, Shamirpet, Medchal and Keesara were under the ‘Over Exploited’ category as per the A.P. Groundwater Department’s 2010 report, she informed.
Metals detected
Metals like cadmium, nickel etc have also been detected beyond permissible levels in the groundwater of Katedan, Nacharam, Jeedimetla and Patancheru industrial areas. The workshop was organised by Joint Action for Water (JAW), Chethana Society and other civic societies.
BJP floor leader G. Kishen Reddy, who was the chief guest, said construction of rainwater harvesting pits, should be made conditional before building plans were approved.
HMWSSB General Manager (Quality Assurance & Testing) K. S. Narsappa, said water supply was adequate till September. There was a heavy demand for tankers this season as a majority of borewells had gone dry.
D. Narasimha Reddy of Chethana Society requested the proposed Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority’s master draft plan for core city be put on hold. “The proposed plan does not have any provision for addressing drinking water issues. There is a drinking water shortage in the city already and it will worsen the situation further if HMDA is expanded,” said Mr. Narasimha Reddy.
