Groundwater levels have marginally increased this year – by 1.45 metres on an average – when compared to last year.
A comparison of the water level below the surface for the month of April this year showed that except for a few places, there was an improvement in the situation when compared to data from the same month in 2013.
Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar, Gachibowli and Saidabad were the only areas where the levels decreased – marginally, by 0.55 metres, 0.05 metres ad 0.70 metres respectively. Among the 11 places from where readings were recorded, Nampally recorded the highest improvement in water levels – an increase of 6.60 metres.
Other areas where groundwater levels rose more than the average were Kulsumpura and Bahadurpura, where the situation improved by 3.30 metres and 2.50 metres. Humanyun Nagar, Chandrayangutta, Darulshifa, A.P. Secretariat area, and Maredpally also recorded an increase in water levels.
Even areas on the outskirts like Ghatkesar, Hayatnagar, Ibrahimpatnam, Saroornagar, Malkajgiri, Shamshabad and Rajendarnagar witnessed an increase in groundwater levels.
“The situation is good due to the excess rainfall last year. If the monsoons are good this time too, the situation will improve,” said Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Groundwater Department.
Mr. Kumar said the current situation has only levelled the negative impact of years with less rainfall.
“Before 2013 rainfall was not that good, and there was a huge decrease in groundwater levels in Hyderabad. Last year’s rainfall offset that negative impact, which is why the coming monsoon is also important for the city,” he explained.
He also mentioned that rain water in the city needs to be collected, as much of the water received in the monsoons do not seep into the ground due to concretisation.
