Groundwater Management in India: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State Report

Groundwater is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, providing water for farming and daily needs. But overuse, falling water tables, and fluoride contamination are putting this precious resource at risk. Despite laws like the Andhra Pradesh Water, Land, and Trees Act (APWALTA), enforcement remains weak, and groundwater use continues unchecked. However, local communities have stepped up with innovative solutions, such as participatory groundwater management and watershed development, proving that sustainable water use is possible when people take charge.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have seen a major shift from traditional canal irrigation to borewell-dependent farming, leading to serious groundwater depletion. Farmers, once relying on surface water, are now drilling deeper for water, often with unsustainable consequences. Adding to the problem, fluoride contamination in some areas has made groundwater unsafe for drinking. While government policies exist, they often fail to address the root causes of the crisis—poor groundwater management and lack of enforcement.

Amid these challenges, local solutions have emerged. In Mahbubnagar, Telangana, farmers have come together to monitor and manage groundwater use more effectively. In Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, an integrated watershed management approach has helped recharge groundwater and improve water availability through rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts. These projects show that when communities are actively involved, water resources can be managed sustainably.

The report highlights eight key strategies to tackle the groundwater crisis, including better data collection, balancing water demand, switching to less water-intensive crops, and empowering local communities. The way forward is clear: stronger policies, scientific approaches, and community-led solutions must work together to ensure that groundwater remains available for future generations.

Keywords: Groundwater, Aquifers, Recharge, Irrigation, Watershed, Fluoride Contamination, Participatory Management, Regulation, Borewells, Sustainability, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Mahbubnagar