Telangana reservoirs levels constrict irrigation usage; ground water in State may plummet from 9.46 mgbl to 11.01 mgbl
There are twin reasons for farmers in Telangana to be watchful of amount of water used for cultivation in the ongoing Vanakalam (Kharif) season as
There are twin reasons for farmers in Telangana to be watchful of amount of water used for cultivation in the ongoing Vanakalam (Kharif) season as the State Agriculture Department has said that reservoir levels in the State are concerning and predicted groundwater levels to plummet by August this year considering 30% deficit rainfall. Telangana rainfall prediction for July and August 2026 Besides, it stated prediction of below-normal rainfall as likely over many parts of the State in August, particularly over northern, central and eastern Telangana and below-normal rainfall as likely over most parts of the State in September. Rainfed and irrigation reliant crops The information is crucial as the expected area to be sown up to July 15, 2026, depending on rains is 48.35 lakh acres and relying on irrigation is 27.25 lakh acres. Farmers are already experiencing the impact of the changes in weather conditions and groundwater levels.
To reduce the risk of climate changes on agriculture, the department has released ‘El Niño Contingency Plan Vanakalam 2026’. Current and predicted groundwater levels in Telangana districts The average groundwater level in the State during June, 2026 is 9.46 metres below ground level (mbgl), compared to 9.47 mgbl in June, 2025. Taking into account the rainfall and assuming an overall 30% over rainfall deficit up to July 14, 2026, the average groundwater level in the State is predicted to be 10.35 mgbl in July and 11.01 mgbl in August. The documents list district-wise information on the groundwater levels — which are predicted to fall gradually in July and August. Suggestions to Telangana farmers Farmers were suggested to shift from high water-consuming crops, particularly paddy which needs stagnant water, to low water-consuming crops. The department has laid out a district-wise agriculture contingency plan in the document suggesting alternative crops that can be taken up to reduce impact of the blow.
They were urged to adopt short duration and drought tolerant crops. Regular monitoring of weather forecast and advisories issued by weather agencies and the government was suggested to chart plans accordingly. Micro-irrigation pitch Officials were asked to promote micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation for efficient usage of water and conserve groundwater. To improve the water table, people were suggested to construct recharge pits, farm ponds and other groundwater recharge structures. Telangana irrigation reservoir levels The department stated that majority of the irrigation reservoirs in the State are presently at, or very close to, their Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL). Citing the utilizable storage in all projects in Godavari and Krishna basins, it said that the available live storage is sufficient for essential requirements such as drinking water and the scope for irrigation release for several reservoirs is constrained.
The BriefWire