Groundwater levels in NTR district, Andhra Pradesh, exhibited a marginal increase in April 2024 compared to the previous year, but remain below the long-term average.
Key findings from the Groundwater Department’s assessment reveal an average groundwater level of 8.88 meters below ground level (mbgl) in April 2024, a slight improvement from 9.29 mbgl in April 2023. However, this is still higher than the long-term average of 7.88 mbgl recorded over the past ten years.
Analysis of data from 229 monitoring wells across the district indicates varying trends. Mandals like Chandarlapadu, Kanchikacherla, and Jaggayyapeta showed improvement, with groundwater levels rising by over 1 meter. Conversely, several mandals, including Nuzvid, Chatrai, and Bapulapadu, experienced a decline in groundwater levels.
Overall, 11 mandals are categorized as ‘over-exploited’ based on groundwater extraction rates, meaning more water is being extracted than is being replenished. Another 14 mandals are classified as ‘critical’, indicating a high level of groundwater depletion. The remaining 16 mandals fall under the ‘safe’ or ‘semi-critical’ categories.
The increase in groundwater levels is attributed to the recent rainfall during the northeast monsoon season and effective water management practices. However, officials caution that continued monitoring is crucial, especially during the summer months when demand is highest.
The department emphasizes the need for farmers to adopt micro-irrigation techniques, promote water conservation measures, and explore alternative crops to reduce reliance on groundwater. They are also focusing on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge initiatives to improve the overall groundwater situation in the district. The department plans to continue monitoring groundwater levels and implement necessary interventions to ensure sustainable groundwater management.
