Despite experiencing an excess of rainfall this monsoon season, Hyderabad’s IT corridor is grappling with a severe groundwater crisis. Average water levels have dramatically fallen to depths between 15 to 25 metres, a significant decline from last year’s average of 11 metres. This alarming trend is most pronounced in key areas such as Kukatpally, Serilingampally, Ramachandrapuram, and Rajendranagar, where the average depth to water level (DTWL) has reached an unsettling 17.51 metres as of September.
Groundwater levels in Hyderabad’s IT corridor have reached alarming lows, with some areas reporting levels three times below the city’s average depth to water level (DTWL) of 6.29 metres. While the rest of the city saw an increase of 5.51 metres in groundwater from May to September, the IT corridor is classified as a ‘red zone.’ Kukatpally, home to many IT professionals, has seen levels drop to 25.58 metres, despite Ramachandrapuram receiving 986 mm of rainfall. Officials cite rampant urbanization and construction as the main culprits, raising concerns about sustainability, especially with 5,000 of 10,000 new housing units launched in these stressed areas.
N Ramachandra Reddy, an executive member of Credai National, highlights that developers rely heavily on groundwater for construction, creating a vicious cycle. Once completed, these developments often provide residents with municipal water in bulk. This raises questions about long-term sustainability and resource management in a region that continues to expand rapidly. The emotional toll of this groundwater crisis cannot be overstated. Families are left grappling with inconsistent water supply, impacting their daily lives and livelihoods. As the demand for water escalates with the influx of new residents, the need for sustainable practices becomes imperative. Policymakers, developers, and the community must collaborate to implement measures that ensure responsible water use and environmental stewardship.
