Telangana’s groundwater reserves are facing alarming depletion, largely due to unsustainable crop choices, erratic rainfall, and geological challenges, according to a new study conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR–NGRI). The study has issued a strong warning that unless urgent reforms in water usage and crop planning are implemented, the State could face severe agricultural and water crises in the coming decades.

Groundwater under pressure

The research reveals that widespread paddy cultivation, which requires significant amounts of water, is exerting unsustainable pressure on Telangana’s aquifers. Paddy, though a staple crop, is highly water-intensive and is being grown even in regions where groundwater availability is naturally low.

The hydrogeological conditions of Telangana, dominated by hard rock terrain, do not support quick or effective recharge of aquifers. Unlike alluvial soil regions in parts of North India, the hard rocks in Telangana have limited porosity, which makes natural percolation of rainwater difficult and time-consuming.

“The combination of erratic rainfall, over-reliance on borewells, and hard rock geology is a dangerous cocktail. We’re drawing more than we recharge,” said a senior CSIR–NGRI scientist.

Climate change intensifying the issue

The study also identifies climate variability as a key stressor. The monsoon in Telangana has become increasingly unpredictable, with some years witnessing excessive rainfall in short bursts and others facing long dry spells. These changing rainfall patterns further reduce the effective recharge of groundwater tables.

Moreover, the erratic weather has led to farmers relying more on irrigation from borewells to protect their crops. This has led to unsystematic groundwater extraction, often without any scientific basis or real-time monitoring.

Unchecked borewell usage

Across Telangana, the proliferation of borewells, many of them unregistered, has made groundwater extraction difficult to regulate. In several districts like Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Medak, and Karimnagar, the number of borewells has exploded over the past decade.

In the absence of effective groundwater legislation or usage caps, farmers, desperate to protect their harvest, continue to dig deeper wells, often exceeding 400–500 feet, chasing rapidly depleting aquifers.

“We’re reaching a point where many wells are going dry even during the monsoon. The rate of withdrawal far exceeds the recharge,” said a hydrogeologist associated with the study.

Need for crop diversification

The CSIR–NGRI report strongly advocates for crop diversification, especially in semi-arid and low recharge zones. Crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds which are less water-dependent, are suggested as better alternatives to paddy in certain regions.

While the government has tried to promote millets under various schemes, the minimum support price (MSP) and procurement infrastructure still heavily favour paddy, pushing farmers to stick to high water-demand crops for better returns.

“If the economics of farming don’t change, neither will the cropping pattern,” a senior agricultural economist commented.

Groundwater governance needs overhaul

Scientists and policy experts agree that Telangana needs a comprehensive groundwater governance framework that includes:

• Mandatory registration of borewells

• Zonal water budgeting

• Community-based water management

• Real-time monitoring systems

• Strict caps on water-intensive cropping in high-risk areas

There is also a call for reviving traditional water harvesting systems like tanks, check dams, and percolation pits, many of which have fallen into disrepair or been encroached upon.

Policy challenges and the road ahead

While Telangana has made strides in mission-mode irrigation projects like Kaleshwaram, experts warn that surface water projects alone cannot substitute for groundwater conservation. Irrigation efficiency also remains a concern, with many canals and pipes still witnessing significant losses due to leakage or evaporation.

The Telangana State Ground Water Department has been mapping overexploited zones, but its recommendations often do not translate into binding action on the ground due to lack of enforcement powers.

Farmer awareness is key

Ultimately, experts stress that farmer awareness and involvement will be critical to any long-term solution. Programmes aimed at educating farmers about aquifer health, crop-water budgeting, and sustainable practices are currently limited in scope.

Farmer groups and NGOs working in rural water conservation say there is a need for more grassroots engagement and incentives for adopting water-saving methods like drip irrigation, SRI (System of Rice Intensification) for paddy, and rainwater harvesting.

Conclusion

The CSIR–NGRI’s findings serve as a wake-up call for Telangana. Without urgent action, groundwater depletion will not just impact agriculture but also rural drinking water availability, public health, and economic stability. A shift in policy, public mindset, and farming practices is the only way to safeguard the future of water and livelihoods in the region.

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