Groundwater still low in 42% of Andhra

A recent study by the Andhra Pradesh government has revealed a mixed picture regarding the state's groundwater reserves. While there has been a notable increase in water levels following good rainfall in August, a severe crisis persists in over 7,800 villages, where groundwater remains below the critical 8-meter level. This finding indicates that nearly 42% of the state is still grappling with significant water scarcity.

The state government is now taking a proactive approach to address this challenge. It has entrusted the Groundwater Resources Department with the responsibility of creating and implementing comprehensive, village-specific recharge plans. The primary goal is to elevate groundwater levels in these affected areas to a sustainable range of 3 to 8 meters. So far, plans have been meticulously prepared for 1,700 villages.

The Groundwater Department’s strategy involves a detailed assessment of each village's water resources to determine the optimal locations for building check dams, percolation tanks, and other water-harvesting structures. The plan also explores how to leverage funds from existing government schemes, such as the Employment Guarantee Scheme, to finance these crucial projects.

The efforts have already shown some encouraging results. As of September 1, the average groundwater level across the state has risen by 1.56 meters, marking a significant improvement of 1.25 meters compared to the same period last year. This increase is particularly pronounced in districts that have historically been drought-prone.

• Nandyal: The water level increased by an impressive 2.95 meters.

• Prakasam: Gained a substantial 2.78 meters.

• YSR Kadapa: Saw a rise of 2.11 meters.

• Palnadu: The level went up by 1.17 meters.

However, the gains are not uniform across the state. Some areas continue to face challenges, with groundwater levels decreasing by 0.36 meters in Eluru district and 0.15 meters in Nellore district, underscoring the need for continued and targeted conservation efforts.