Ground water levels rise in East Godavari

Rajahmundry: The ground water levels witnessed a considerable rise during the last seven months in East Godavari district due to the effect of series of cyclonic storms that hit coastal region recently. Though they had left behind a trail of destruction, cyclones have contributed to the rise in ground water levels.

On an average water level increased by 2.662 metres and it is said to be the highest average in the last five years in upland, Agency and in delta areas.

The three cyclonic storms- Phailin, Helen and Lehar have shattered the hopes of farmers and left them in a state of misery.

These rains have proved to be a blessing in disguise because the ground water utilisation has increased significantly for both agriculture and domestic purposes.

As per the statistics available with the district ground water department, the rains have improved the water levels have gone up more in upland areas than in the Agency and delta regions.

Generally, the ground water consumption will be more in upland areas due to a variety of reasons when compared to the other two areas.

From May to November, the upland areas, consisting 16 mandals, noticed a rise of 4.30 metres from 10.01 to 14.31 metres.

The Agency with seven mandals recorded 2.10 metres rise from 4.62 to 6.72 metres, while delta region which has plenty of water resources witnessed an increase of 1.42 metres from 2.07 to 3.49 metres.

Ground water level in delta region is double when compared to the Agency areas and it almost five times higher when compared to upland areas.

East Godavari assistant director C.S. Vijay Kumar observed that the district average in ground water levels from May to November increased by 2.662 metres from 5.596 to 8.258 metres which is being seen as a good sign for agriculture in coming days.