■   18 of 33 Telangana districts recorded a rise in groundwater levels in May 2025, defying typical summer depletion trends.

■   Bhupalapally led the surge with a 3.05-meter rise, followed by Nagarkurnool (+2.74 m) and Nalgonda (+2.32 m).

■   In Hyderabad, average groundwater levels improved slightly (+0.17 m), but several mandals like Saidabad and Trimulgherry saw steep declines.

■   GHMC areas up to ORR reported a net fall of 0.53 meters compared to May 2024, with deep water levels (>20 m bgl) in 12% of the area.

■   Overall, 45% of the state had water levels between 5–10 m bgl, indicating healthy pre-monsoon conditions in most regions.

metro india news  I hyderabad

In a rare and welcome phenomenon, Telangana witnessed a significant rise in groundwater levels during May 2025 - a peak summer month typically known for hottest weather conditions and falling water tables. Thanks to multiple spells of unseasonal rainfall across the state in May this time, groundwater recharge occurred even during peak summer, defying long-standing trends.

May is usually the harshest month in Telangana, with temperatures hovering around 40°C and rampant groundwater extraction for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. However, the unexpected rainfall — part of a broader 32% excess recorded across the state for the water year — helped replenish aquifers in many districts.

According to the Telangana Ground Water Department, 18 out of 33 districts recorded an increase in groundwater levels compared to May 2024. Jayashankar Bhupalapally saw the highest rise at 3.05 meters, followed by significant increases in Nagarkurnool (2.74 m), Nalgonda (2.32 m), and Khammam (1.41 m). On the flip side, 15 districts registered declines, with Sangareddy facing the steepest drop at 1.61 meters.

“Groundwater levels in more than 75 percent of the state are comparatively good in May 2025 — between 5 to 15 meters below ground level — which is a good sign. In rainy season, the ground water recharges automatically. In our findings, water levels in the range of 5-10 m bgl occupy 45% region and are more predominant in the state, followed by water levels in the range of 10-15 m bgl, covering 30% of state area during this month,” said K Laxma, Director, Telangana Groundwater Department.

The average groundwater level across the state stood at 10.07 meters below ground level (mbgl), with Jagtial recording the shallowest level (5.68 m) and Vikarabad the deepest (15.44 m). While rural areas saw the benefit of rains, the scenario in urban zones was mixed.

GHMC & ORR: Urban Recharge remains a concern, Hyd dist. little better

In the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) region and areas up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR), groundwater levels saw a net fall — 0.31 m from April 2025 and 0.53 m from May 2024. Despite receiving 29% excess rainfall, the urban water table continued to dip, attributed to heavy withdrawal and insufficient recharge zones. However, Hyderabad district was a slight exception. 

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