Hyderabad stares at water crisis as July monsoon fails to deliver, reservoirs under strain

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is staring at a potential water crisis as a prolonged dry spell leaves the city with a staggering 56% rainfall deficit this monsoon, according to data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS).

Despite hopes of relief after a parched June, neighbouring districts like Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Sangareddy have also recorded sharp drops, with several mandals now categorised as ‘deficient’, TOI reported.

YB Rama Rao, a meteorologist with TSDPS, was cited by TOI as saying that the absence of strong low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and a weak monsoon trough has stifled rainfall in Telangana. “Groundwater recharge depends on consistent rainfall. In its absence, people keep drilling deeper. This isn’t sustainable,” he said.

While officials confirm that current water supply remains stable - thanks to upstream sources like the Krishna and Godavari pipelines - the plummeting groundwater levels paint a grim picture.

TOI reported that data revealed alarming dips across key areas, with Kapra’s Cherlapally seeing water levels drop from 5.84 metres below ground level (mbgl) in May to 8.25 mbgl in June. Kukatpally recorded a sharp decline from 13.92 mbgl to 19.92 mbgl, while Medchal’s Gundla Pochampally worsened from 17.65 mbgl to 18.39 mbgl. Smaller tanks, crucial for local recharge, remain dry, further straining the city’s already fragile water infrastructure.

K Laxma, director of the groundwater department, said while reservoirs are manageable for now, the trend is concerning. “If sources like Osmansagar, Himayatsagar and Manjeera don’t get replenished, we’ll have to start rationing earlier,” he was cited by TOI, adding that scarcity could hit as early as February if the deficit continues.

Mohd Ishtiyaq, a researcher studying lakes in Hyderabad’s old city, warned that the deficit should serve as a wake-up call, TOI reported. “If steps like rooftop rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling aren’t pushed at scale, we’ll be firefighting every summer,” he said.