The flagship lift irrigation schemes of Telangana, Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya, have turned the water tables up in Telangana in the past five years. The annual groundwater extraction has reduced from 8.09 BCM (billion cubic meters) in 2017 to 8 BCM in 2022, while the stage of groundwater extraction has reduced from 65.45 percent to 41.6 percent during the corresponding period.
The availability of groundwater resources in an area is determined by a variety of factors such as rainfall frequency, geological strata, the number of existing recharge structures, and extraction by consumers for various purposes such as industrial applications, drinking/domestic purposes, irrigation, and so on. As a result, the rate of increase or depletion of groundwater resources varies by area.
The comparison of groundwater extraction between the years 2017 and 2022 (as assessed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States) indicates a decrease in extraction (on an average for the entire country) from a total 248.69 BCM to 239.16 BCM, officials said.
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However, due to the successful implementation of lift irrigation schemes and Mission Bhagiratha, surface water supply for irrigation and drinking water purposes has increased significantly in Telangana. As a result, the use of groundwater has decreased significantly over time. Furthermore, officials stated that the implementation of Mission Kakatiya to revitalize traditional tanks played an important role in improving groundwater levels in the state.
The average groundwater level in Telangana in November this year is 4.5 mbgl (metres below ground level), compared to 4.97 mbgl in November last year. The average water level in 22 of the 33 districts is less than 5 mbgl, while it is between 5 and 10 mbgl in the remaining 11 districts.
The union government recently praised Telangana for its outstanding work in water conservation/harvesting through Mission Kakatiya.
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