Groundwater Drilling in the Deccan Plateau: A Three-Year Analytical Study of Trends, Depths, and Performance in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (2022–2024)

This study analyzes groundwater drilling activities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 2022 to 2024 using monthly data. Telangana showed substantial growth, with the number of wells drilled increasing from 109 in 2022 to 261 in 2023 (139.45% growth) and further to 565 in 2024 (116.48% growth), while total drilling depth grew from 2605.35 meters to 8502.55 meters (226.35% growth) and then to 13020.73 meters (53.14% growth), with indications of seasonal variations. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh also saw significant growth, with wells drilled increasing from 231 in 2022 to 453 in 2023 (96.10% growth) and further to 901 in 2024 (98.89% growth), while total drilling depth increased from 3558.90 meters to 13587.40 meters (281.76% growth) and then to 22699.50 meters (67.06% growth), followed by additional year-on-year growth. These distinct growth trajectories, characterized by varying magnitudes of change, highlight the dynamic nature of groundwater extraction across the two states, providing crucial information for regional water management strategies.