Rainfall isn’t enough: scientists call for smarter groundwater management in Telangana

Key Points

1. Average annual rainfall in Telangana: 960 mm
2. Groundwater recharge from rainfall: 11.36 bcm
3. Groundwater recharge from secondary sources: 3 bcm
4. Study led by V.M. Tiwari from CSIR-NEIST and former NGRI Director
5. 60% of Telangana’s land is used for agriculture
6. 90% of agricultural land is dedicated to water-intensive crops
7. Groundwater-irrigated areas have increased 2.5 times in three decades
8. Study published on October 24, 2025