VIDEO: Dry spell hits Old City’s aquifers

The recent dry-spell prevailing over the city, has taken a turn for the worst as many parts of the Old City, are reeling under a severe water shortage, with the aquifers drying out. In the latest report published by the Telangana State Ground Water Department, the trend that is prevalent throughout the city is nothing more than a downward spiral.

While there has been a marginal increase in the aquifers at Charminar–by a metre—eight kilometres away in Bandlaguda, the water levels have dipped by more than a metre.

“There has been a dry-spell prevailing over the state, for the last fortnight– there are chances that the water levels might have dipped even further, by now. Also, considering the area, the rate of extraction is much higher than the rate of percolation in these areas,” said K Dhanunjay, deputy director, State Groundwater Board.

A few other areas where residents are struggling to access the ground water include, Chandrayangutta, Darusalam and Nampally water is available only at 21.65 metres, or deeper. According to officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) there are no rains in sight for the next two-days. “There might be a few isolated spells of rain, but nothing which can be called a monsoon shower,” said Dr Y K Reddy, director (in-charge), IMD.

Following the met department’s prediction even officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, have come to say that they are still delivering close to 500 tankers to these areas, owing to the lack of groundwater supply or recharge

The dry situation that is currently prevailing has been a result of years of neglect say officials from the state groundwater department. That said, officials say that the aquifer levels in the precincts of the Old City have been on steady decline for the last five-years.

–News Courtesy:TOI