Telangana groundwater improves after years even as El Nino threat looms

Telangana’s groundwater levels improved in March 2026 following excess rainfall, but experts warn the gains may be temporary as El Niño conditions could weaken the monsoon, potentially reversing recharge trends and increasing water stress in vulnerable districts.

Hyderabad: The groundwater levels in Telangana have shown a marked improvement in March this year, after remaining low for two consecutive years. Thanks to excess rainfall this year, the average groundwater depth stood at 8.22 metres below ground level (mbgl).

However, experts warned that the gains may be short-lived amid forecasts of El Nino conditions this year.

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The groundwater levels have recorded a clear recovery from 9.91 mbgl in March 2025 and 9.69 mbgl in March 2024. But it remained slightly below the healthier levels seen in March 2023 at 8.02 mbgl and March 2022 at 7.64 mbgl, indicating a fluctuating trend over the past five years.

The recent improvement is largely attributed to above-normal rainfall. Between June 2025 and April 2026, the State received 1,198 mm rainfall against a normal of 883 mm which is about 36 per cent excess. As many as 27 out of 33 districts recorded excess rainfall this year, boosting recharge.

In the previous cycle (June 2024–April 2025), rainfall stood at 1,076 mm which is about 22 per cent above normal.

District-wise data for March 2026 shows sharp variations. Khammam (4.52 mbgl) and Jagtial (4.98 mbgl) recorded the best groundwater levels. In contrast, Vikarabad (13.72 mbgl) and Kamareddy (12.35 mbgl) remained the most water-stressed districts.

Despite the current gains, the outlook remains uncertain. El Nino conditions typically reduce monsoon rainfall over India, which could reverse the recharge trend. If rainfall drops in the coming season, groundwater levels might decline sharply, especially in already stressed districts.

Irrigation experts stated that rainfall-driven groundwater recovery without long-term water management and conservation measures, will have adverse impact. They suggested for urgent measures to tap rain water in the existing major and minor reservoirs including tanks during the next monsoon, to restore the groundwater levels and prevent risk of slipping back into distress.

Ground water position in Telangana – Average depth of water:

• March 2026: 8.22 mbgl
• February 2026: 7.25 mbgl
• March 2025: 9.91 mbgl
• March 2024: 9.69 mbgl
• March 2023: 8.02 mbgl
• March 2022L 7.64 mbgl

District-wise average depth of water in March 2026:

• Khammam: 4.52 mbgl
• Jagtial: 4.98 mbgl
• Kamareddy: 12.35 mbgl
• Vikarabad: 13.72 mbgl