Visakhapatnam Faces Water Crisis as Groundwater Levels Fall Rapidly
Visakhapatnam is witnessing early signs of a summer water crisis as groundwater levels decline sharply in several parts of the city. Borewells are becoming unreliable, and pressure is mounting on the already limited municipal water supply. Residents fear the shortage may worsen. Officials and experts say rapid urbanisation and shrinking recharge spaces are the main reasons for the falling groundwater table in Visakhapatnam.
Open land that once absorbed rainwater has been replaced by apartments, roads, and paved surfaces. Tiled footpaths and concrete margins have further reduced natural seepage. As a result, much of the rainwater now flows into drains and the sea instead of recharging underground reserves.
A hydrogeology expert said unchecked urban growth without proper groundwater planning is creating long-term stress. While extraction is increasing every year, recharge is not keeping pace.
The biggest decline has been recorded in Endada. According to the Groundwater Resources Department, groundwater levels dropped from 19.62 metres in April 2025 to 28.71 metres in April 2026. This marks a fall of nearly 30 feet within one year.
Nearby Pedarushikonda also reported a major drop, with groundwater levels falling from 17.8 metres to 22.69 metres during the same period.
Madhurawada, one of the city’s fastest-growing residential hubs, is facing similar pressure. Groundwater levels there declined from 17.21 metres last year to 19.83 metres this April. Many neighbourhoods continue to depend on borewells due to inadequate GVMC water supply.
Arilova, known for its greenery, has also seen groundwater levels fall from 17.29 metres to 19.06 metres over the past year.
Officials said areas where groundwater is available within 10 metres are considered relatively safe.
The latest assessment found better groundwater availability in Nagarampalem, BHPV, Gollalapalem, Aganampudi, Steel Plant, Vellanki, Narava, T. Devada, Chippada, Pandalapaka, Palavalasa, Chukkuvanipalem, and Visalakshi Nagar. In Chippada and Palavalasa, water is available at around 1.5 metres.
However, Gajuwaka, Pendurthi, Seethammadhara, Marikavalasa, Ananthavaram, and RTC Complex are already reporting groundwater levels beyond 10 metres. This has raised fresh concerns over water security in Visakhapatnam ahead of peak summer.