For Official Use Only

CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GROUND WATER BROCHURE

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
(AAP- 2012-13)

SOUTHERN REGION
HYDERABAD
September 2013

CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GROUND WATER BROCHURE

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
(AAP 2012-13)

By

Dr. P. N. RAO
SCIENTIST-D

BHUJAL BHAWAN
NH-IV, Faridabad,
Haryana, India
Te: 0129-2419074
Fax: 0129-2412524, 2413050
Gram: Bhumijal

SOUTHERN REGION
GSI Post,
Bandlaguda
Hyderabad 500 068
Tel: 040-24225201
Fax: 040-24225202
Email: rdsr-cgwb@nic.in

GROUND WATER BROCHURE

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
(AAP 2012-13)
CONTENTS
DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

RAINFALL & CLIMATE

3.0

GEOMORPHOLOGY & SOIL TYPES

4.0

GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5.0

Hydrogeology
Ground Water Resources
Ground Water Quality
Status of ground water development

GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

5.1
5.2
5.3

Ground Water Development

Water Conservation & Artificial Recharge
Ground Water Related issues & Problems

6.0

GROUND WATER RELATED PROBLEMS & ISSUES

7.0

GROUND WATER QUALITY

8.0

AWARENESS & TRAINING ACTIVITY

9.0

RECOMMENDATIONS

FIGURES:
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0

Administrative divisions, Drainage, location of exploratory wells, West

Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
Hydrogeology, West Godavari district
Panel Diagram showing disposition of geological formations
Geological cross section
Depth to water level- Premonsoon (May, 2012) and post-monsoon (Nov,
2012).
Hydrographs of select hydrographs

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Sl
No
1

ITEM
GENERAL INFORMATION
i) Geographical area (Sq.km)
ii) Administrative Divisions
Number of Mandals
Number of Revenue Villages
Municipalities
iii) Population (As on 2011 census)
iv) Normal Annual Rainfall (mm)
v) Annual rainfall (2012) (mm)
GEOMORPHOLOGY

Major physiographic units

Major drainages
3

4
5

LAND USE (ha) (2012)

a) Forest area
b) Net area sown
MAJOR SOIL TYPES
AREA IRRIGATED UNDER DIFFERENT
SOURCES (As on 2010-11)
Dug wells
Tube wells/Bore wells/Filter point wells
Tanks/ponds
Canals
Other sources
Net irrigated area (ha)
Gross irrigated area (ha)
GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS
(CGWB) (As on November, 2012)

No.of dug wells

No.of piezometers
7
8

PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL
FORMATIONS
HYDROGEOLOGY
Major water bearing formations

Pre-monsoon depth to water level, 2012

Post-monsoon depth to water level, 2012

Statistics

7,795
46
910
8
39,34,782
1078
1612
Alluvial plain, Upland area
Godavari, Yerrakalava,
Tammileru, Ramleru
81,166
4,71,442

Sandy loams, black cotton soils,

coastal sands
2663
1,71,985
18,161
1,78,762
7,708
3,79,279
5,98,216

20
13
Alluvium, Gondwanas, Tertiaries,
Deccan Traps & Archaeans
Rajahmundry & Gondwana
Sandstones
0.82 12.95 m bgl
0.52 14.96 m bgl

10

11

12

14

GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY

CGWB (As on 31.03.2012)
No.of wells drilled
Depth range (m)
Discharge (litres per second)
Storativity (S)
Transmissivity (sq.m/day)
GROUND WATER QUALITY
Presence of chemical constituents more than
permissible limit
Type of water
DYNAMIC GROUND WATER
RESOURCES (2009)
Annual Replenishable Ground Water
availability (ha m)
Net annual ground water draft (ha m)
Projected demand for domestic and industrial
uses upto 2025 (ha m)
Stage of ground water development (%)
GROUND WATER CONTROL AND
REGULATION
Number of OE Blocks
Number of Critical Blocks
No. of blocks Notified
MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS
AND ISSUES

32 EW, 11 PZ
45-650.4
10-128
1.2x10-3 to 6.8x10-4
24-3540
EC&Nitrate in Alluvium
Ca- Mg, Cl-SO4; Na- K, ClSO4
1,52,617
49,424
7409
36
Nil
Nil
Nil
Water level depletionuplands
Water logging-Delta
Ground water salinity-Delta

GROUND WATER BROCHURE

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
1.0

INTRODUCTION

The West Godavari district with its headquarters at Eluru is one of

the nine coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh State. It is located between North
Latitudes 160 51 and 170 30 and East Longitudes 800 50 and 81055
covering parts of Survey of India toposheet Nos. 65 C, D, G & H. The total
geographical area of the district is 7,795 sq. km constituting 2.84% of the
total area of the state. The district population as per 2011 census is 3934782
persons and the density of the population is 508 persons per sq. km.
Agriculture is the main stay of population in the district.
1.1 Administrative Divisions: The district consists of 46 revenue
mandals (Fig.1) grouped under 3 revenue divisions. It has a total of 901
revenue villages and 8 municipalities.

1.2 Drainage: The district is mainly drained by Godavari,Yerrakalava,

Tammileru and Ramileru rivers. The river Godavari enters the district near the
northeastern corner and after flowing a distance of 72 km, the river bifurcates into
Gautami and Vasishta rivers at Vijeshwaram.The Gautami river which marks the
district boundary, debouches into Bay of Bengal at Antervedi, draining about 20%
of the district area. The other prominent rivers/streams in the district are
Yerrakalava, Tammileru, Ramileru, and Guvvaleru. Yerrakalava joins Godavari
river while Tammileru and Guvaleru join Kolleru lake.
The Kolleru Lake, the biggest fresh water lake in the country, is situated in the
southwestern part of the district. The drainage is mainly dendritic in the northern
part of the district and appears to be controlled by structure. Drainage density is
more in the northern part and is sparse in southern part. The delta area is served by
Godavari canal system and numerous other drains.
1.3 Land Use Pattern: In the district, 81,166 ha. (10.41%) is occupied by forest;
41127 ha. (5.27%) forms barren and uncultivable land; 112237 ha. (14.38%)
forms non-agricultural land; 13065 ha. (1.67%) forms permanent pastures and
grazing land; 7872 ha. (1.4%) is covered by miscellaneous tree crops and grooves;
and 15817 ha. (2.02 %) is fallow land. The net area sown in the district is 480122
ha. (61.55%), while the area sown more than once is 288241 (36.95 %).
1.4 Irrigation & Cropping Pattern: The district is having both surface and ground
water resource potential. The delta area is mainly served by surface irrigation,
whereas in the upland areas of the district the irrigation is chiefly by ground
water. The surface irrigation is through major, medium and minor irrigation
projects. Godavari western delta system has an ayacut area of 214560 ha and
under medium irrigation, Tammileru Reservoir Project, Vijayarai Anicut, Jalleru
Reservoir Project and Yerrakalava Reservoir Project have registered aycuts of
3712, 4340, 1700 and 13709 ha respectively.

The net area irrigated through canals is 178762 hectares. A net area of 174648
hectares is irrigated through ground water. The area irrigated through tanks is
only 18161 hectares. The principal crop grown in the district is paddy. The other
important crops grown in the district are sugarcane, cashewnut, mango, coconut
and tobacco.
1.5 Studies by CGWB: Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) carried out
various studies viz., systematic hydrogeological surveys, reappraisal
hydrogeological surveys, ground water exploration, geo-physical studies, Ground
water modelling and short term investigations. Ground water exploration was
initiated by the erstwhile ExploratoryTubewells Organization (ETO) in the year
1958 and in all 32 wells were constructed in different phases. Under Hydrology
Project 11 piezometer wells tapping individual aquifers were constructed. Under
ground water regime, 33 Ground Water Monitoring Stations (GWMS) are being
monitored in the district. Ground water modelling studies were conducted during
the year 1978-79 for Yerra Kalava basin by CGWB in collaboration with Cenre
for Exploration Geophysics (CGC) of Osmania University.

2. RAINFALL & CLIMATE

The district enjoys tropical humid type of climate with oppressive

summer season and good seasonal rainfall. The summer season extends from
March to May followed by southwest monsoon season, which lasts till
September. October and November constitute the post monsoon or retreating
monsoon season. December to February months experience cold weather
conditions.
2.1 Rainfall: The normal annual rainfall recorded at Nidadavolu IMD
observatory is 1078 mm, of which 738 mm is through south west monsoon
from June to September and 246 mm through northeast monsoon from
October to December constituting about 68% and 23% of total annual rainfall.
District average deficit rainfall years are 2001 (-21 %), 2002 ( -44%), 2004 (23 %), 2009 (-30%) against normal rainfall of 1075.4 mm whereas the
highest district average rainfall years are 2010, which is 1900.7 (77% excess).
The annual rainfall during 2012 is 1612mm.
The historical data of the I.M.D. station at Nidadavolu for the period
(1970-2011) showed that moderate drought conditions prevailed during the
years 1982, 1984, 1986, 1992,199, 1997, 2002,2004,2009 &2011 (total 10
years out of 42 years). During the period normal rainfall was received in 22
years and 8 years received excess rainfall and deficit rainfall in 12 years. The
statistical parameters computed for Nidadavolu station are:
Mean: 1038 mm.
Standard deviation: 275
Co-efficient variation: 24
Maximum: 1698 Minimum.: 463
Long term annual normal rainfall: 1078 m.m.
The monthly normals of hydrometerological parameters are given in Table.1
TABLE 1: MONTHLY NORMALS OF HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS , NIDADAVOLU
RAINY
DAYS

TEMPERATURE(oC)

RELATIVE
HUMIDITY(%)

POTENTIAL
EVAPOTRANSP
IRATION
(mm)

Minimum

Maximum

830hrs

1730hrs

WIND
SPEED
(km/hr)

0.3

18

30.1

79

55

6.5

106

11

0.5

19.4

32.2

76

49

5.7

116

MAR

0.4

22.2

34.1

77

52

5.4

150

APR

17

0.6

25

35.8

77

56

5.9

151

MAY

57

1.9

26.9

38.2

73

50

7.8

162

JUN

132

6.3

26.7

36.7

75

56

12.2

150

JUL

238

12.4

25.1

31.5

85

74

12.7

114

AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
MEAN

211
157
179
57
10
1078

11
9.3
9
4.7
0.7
57.1

25
24.9
23.6
20.7
18.3
23.0

31.1
31.6
31.3
30.4
29.5
32.7

86
86
85
79
77
66.0

77
78
76
67
58
62.3

11
8
5.9
7.1
7
7.9

110
106
100
102
99
1466.0

MONTH

RAINFALL
(mm)

JAN

FEB

Source: IMD

2.2 Other hydrometeorological parameters: The mean daily maximum

temperature reaches 300C and mean minimum daily temperature is 180C. The air is
humid throughout the year, being more so in coastal region. February to early June is
the driest part of the year and relative humidity ranges from 50 to 55% in the
afternoon. The monthly mean relative humidity is 80% in forenoon and 62% in the
afternoon. Mean monthly wind speed ranges from 5.4 km/hr. in March to 12.7
K.m./hr. in July. The annual potential evapotranspiration is 1467 m.m. The monthly
potential evapotranspiration (PET) ranges from 99 m. m. in December to 162.3 m. m.
in May.

3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY & SOIL TYPES

3.1Geomorphology: Physiographically the district is divided into 2 natural regions.
viz., Alluvial plain and upland areas. The alluvial plain covers 30 % of the area in
southern part of the Eluru Kovuru railway line while uplands which include agency
area constitutes 70% of the total district area. The important landforms in the district
include Structural hills, Pediplain, Pediment inselberg complex, Coastal landforms
and Valley fills.
3.2 Soil Types: The different type of soils encountered in the district are red soils,
black cotton soils, deltaic alluvial soils and coastal sands The red soils are seen
mostly around Chintalapudi, Koyyalagudem, Nallajerla and southeast Polavaram
villages They are permeable and well drained to moderately well drained. The black
cotton soils are encountered in around Eluru, Nidamarru places in the district. Deltaic
alluvial soils are very deep and highly fertile.These are seen mostly in around
Polavaram, Kovvuru, Nidadavolu and Tanuku places.The coastal sands are seen
occurring as patches in the south west and southern most parts of the district.

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology

4.1.1 Geology: The district is underlain by Archaean crystallines, Gondwanas,

Deccan Traps, Tertiaries and alluvial sediments. About 45% of the district is
underlain by Gondwana formations, 40% is underlain by Alluvium and the rest is by
Archaean crystalline rocks. The geological succession is given in Table-2.
Table-2 Geolological Succession
Age
Recent to
Sub-Recent

System

Unconformity
Rajahmundry

Mio-Pliocene

Upper
Cretaceous to
Lower Eocene
Lower
cretaceous to
Lower Triassic

Formation
Alluvium

Deccan Traps

Upper
Gondwana
system

Lower
Gondwana

Tirupathi
Raghavapuram

Gollapalii
Chintalapudi

Lithology
Gravel, Sand, silt and clay,
Laterite
Conglomerate ferruginous, gritty,
variegated,
sandstone and clays
Basalt, inter trappean beds and
intra trappean marl and shales
Gritty and ferruginous sandstone
and clays
Sandstone, shale and
Conglomerate
Sandstone and shales
Sandstone shale and clays

Unconformity
Archaean

Khondalites, Charnockites
Granites and Gneisses

4.1.2 Aquifer Systems: The deep exploration has revealed the occurrence of aerially
extensive multiple aquifer system. Chintalapudi, Gollapalli and Tirupati sandstones
of Gondwana Super Group and Rajahmundry sandstones of Tertiary age form
important aquifers. The Tertiary Rajahmundry formation has a minimum of 9 m
thickness at Decherla and a maximum of 442 m at Tanuku while the Gondwana has a
maximum thickness of 600 m at Achuthapuram. The thickness of coarse granular
zones tapped in wells ranges from 24 to 107 m in Chintalapudis, 12-71 in Gollapallis,
20-224 in Tirupatis, and 42-355 m in Rjahmundry outcropped areas. The principle
aquifer zones available vary from one to six. The percentage of granular zone
thickness ranges from 14 to 93 down to 300 m while the same varies from 25 to 77
beyond 300-600 m depth. The depth of encounterance of Gondwana ranges from 46
to 383 m bgl. The yield of wells ranges from 3,700 to 60,000 lpm for drawdowns of
19 to 25m. The average permeability is of the order of 10 m/day. The transmissivity
of aquifers ranges from 25 to 3540 sq.m/day. The storage coefficient is between
8.5x10 -5 and 1.3x10-2. The hydrogeological map of the district is shown in Fig.2

An attempt was made to bring out the disposition of aquifer zones of the
district by preparing a panel diagram (Fig.3) and sub surface cross section (Fig 4).
The northern part of the area is mainly covered by Chintalapudi sandstones and the
boreholes are not drilled beyond Chintalapudi sandstones. In the central part of the
district more than one geological formation is encountered while in the southern part,
the boreholes could not be drilled beyond alluvium because of its huge thickness.
The granites are encountered at shallow depths near Gopalapuram in northeastern
part of the area and at Jeelakarragudem and Pragadavaram in western part of the
district. From the panel diagram five faults could be inferred between (1)
Achutapuram and Gopalapuram (2) Bhimadolu and Kaikaram (3) Gopalapuram and
Chityala (4) Dharmajigudem and Kallacheruvu and (5) T Nyampalle and Denduluru.

Raghavapuram shales
Achyuthapuram.

are exposed

at the surface between

Dubacherla and

Fig.4 presents the section A-A running in the NE-SW direction covering the
boreholes at Pragadavaram, Mudicherla, Vempadu and Kesavaram. The section has
brought out four faults between (1) Mudicherla and Vempadu (2) Vempadu and
Tirumalapalem (3) Tirumalampalem and Pulla and (4) Pulla and Tallapuram. The
occurrence of Trap formation at different depths between Tallapuram and Pulla confirms
the presence the fault.
The formations at Pragadavarm and Mudicherla are mostly cleayey in nature.
However, two aquifers are identified at Mudicherla, which are relatively les thick as
compared to other boreholes. Two aquifers are delineated at Vempadu the top one lies
in Gollapalli formation and the bottom likes in Chintalapudi formation. Similarly at
Tirumalampalem, three aquifers viz. two in Tirupati and one in Chintalapudi formation
are identified. At Pulla, six aquifers are deciphered viz. one aquifer in the alluvium,
three aquifers in Rajahmundries and two aquifers deciphered viz. one aquifer in the
alluvium, three aquifers in Rahahmundries and two aquifers in Tirupatis. The
boreholes drilled at Kesavaram indicated three aquifers i.e., one in alluvium and the other
two in Rjahmundries.
The exploratory drilling has brought out the presence of Traps at different depths
with varying thickness. The Deccan Trap acts as a confining layer to the underlying
Gondwana aquifers and presents a conspicuous marker horizon. The top of Deccan trap
occurs at 1.3 m bgl at Prakasaraopalem. It occurs at a depth of 460 m at Rachuru, where
drilling was stopped. The number of flows varies from one to six. The top most flow
is seen at Eluru. The total thickness of trap is of the order of 3.5 m to 82 m.
4.1.3 Occurrence & Yield Pattern: Ground water occurs under unconfined, semi to
confined conditions in different formations of the area. In the crystalline formation the
yield of the open wells range from 20 50 m3/day and the discharge of bore wells vary

from 17.28 to 648 m3/day. The Chintalapudi formations are relatively hard on surface and
forms good aquifers with granular zone thickness varying from 24 107m and the yield
of wells ranges between 604.8 and 2419.2 m3/day and the transmissivity values are in the
order of 50 to 1338 m2/day. In Gollapalli sandstone, the thickness of granular zones
varies from 12.0 and 71.0 m and the depth of the wells range between 75 and 120m with
discharges of 691.2 to 1382.4 m3/day. Raghavapuram shales have a maximum thickness
of 10m and are poor aquifers. In Tirupati sandstone formation, the depth of the wells
range between 99 and 250m with yields varying from 345.6 to 1555.2 m3/day and the
thickness of granular zone is in the order of 20 93m. The depth of the wells in
Rajahmundry sandstones range between 32 and 611m and the discharge varied from 1296
to 3024 m3/day with thickness of granular zone in the order of 18 to 175m (Table-3).
Ground Water development is limited in alluvium and in general the deeper zones are
brackish to saline in nature.
Table-3: Formation-wise Yield Pattern
Sl
No

Formation

Chintalapudi
formation
Gollapalli
formation
Tirupati
formation

2
3

Rajahmundry
Formation

General
Thickness Discharge range
depth range (m)
(lps)
of wells (m)
60-120
24-107
7-28

Transmissivity
(m2/day)
50-1465

75-120

12-71

8-16

247-1055

99-250

20-224

76-846

32-611

18-175

4-18
(occasionally upto
45)
13-35 (occasionally
upto 128)

4.1.4 Water Level Behaviour: The pre-monsoon depth to water level (May 2012) ranges
from 0.79 to 14.49 m bgl in alluvial formation and 0.82 to 42.64 m bgl in sedimentaries
and during post monsoon (Nov-2012) season it varies from 0.43-13.67 m bgl. in alluvium
and 0.52 to 44.47 m. in sedimentary formation (Table-4). Fig -5 depicts depth to water
level for pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons (2012) for unconfined and semiconfined
aquifers. During the post monsoon season most of the area in alluvium is water logged.
The water table gradient is steep in northern part and is very gentle in southern part and
the direction of ground water flow is towards southeast. The total decline in the
piezometric levels during the last two decades is high and it varies upto 2.08 m/annum in
sedimentaries. During the last two decades there is decline in the rate of growth of dug
wells and increase in the rate of growth of tube wells in uplands resulting in decline in
piezometric heads considerably. Hydrographs of select ground water monitoring wells are
shown in Fig.6.
Table-4 Depth to Water Level Ranges in different formations
Aquifer
Formation (Data
Pre-monsoon Post-monsoon Fluctuation
points)
(m bgl)
(m bgl)
(m)
Unconfined
Alluvium (17 )
1.02 to 12.95 <1 to 4.94
0.43 to10.30
Sandstones ( 9 )
0.82 to 9.18
0.52 to 9.47
-0.30 to 4.37
Crystallines ( 10 )
4.13 to 8.70
2.61 to 14.96
-1.00 to 1.52
SemiAlluvium (3 )
2.57 to 14.49 2.81 to 13.67
-0.24 to 0.82
confined
Sandstones ( 10 )
3.70 to 42.64 6.92 to 44.47
-9.68 to 4.33
(17) : No.of wells analysed
Source: CGWB & GWD Monitoring well data

Fig-5 Depth to Water Level Pre-Monsoon (May 2012) Post-Monsoon Seasons (2012)

4.2 Ground Water Resources

As per the 2008-09 ground water resource estimation, the total net ground water
availability in the district is of the order of -138590 ha.m and the existing ground water
draft for all uses is 49424 ha.m leaving a ground water balance of 84104 ha m ha.m for
future irrigation development. The present stage of ground water development in the
district is 61% in non-command and 12-% in command area with overall stage of ground
water development of 36%. All the mandals are falling in safe category, contrary to 10
over exploited, 4 critical mandals during 2004-05. The stage of development is generally
high in area occupied by sedimentaries, while it is low in canal command areas,

suggesting the need for judicious exploitation of ground water resources in future.
Mandal-wise ground water resources are shown in Appendix-I.
4.3 Hydrochemistry

The chemical quality of ground water in crystallines and sedimentaries is good for
domestic and irrigation purposes. However, in alluvium the quality varies widely from
good to brackish and saline.
4.3.1 Shallow aquifers: A perusal of chemical analysis of 18 ground water monitoring
stations indicates that, in general the chemical quality of shallow phreatic aquifer in
crystalline and sedimentary formations, is within the standard limits of drinking water
specifications.
Fig-6. Hydrographs of Select Wells in West Godavari District

However, in the places like Jangareddygudem and Polavaram the nitrate is high, due
to local pollution. In alluvium in 22% of samples nitrate pollution is observed, and also
the water is brackish and contains the concentrations of various constituents in excessive
limits.
The suitability of water for irrigation purpose is assessed as per US Salinity Diagram.
It is observed that in all, 11% of samples fall in C2 S1 category; 67% in C3 S1 category;
4% in C2 S2 category; and 11% in C4 S1 category. However, 2 samples fall beyond the
range indicating that they are not fit for irrigation. In sedimentary formation the SAR is
low and salinity hazard is high in 84% samples. Similarly in alluvium, salinity hazard is
very high (C4S1) in 27% of samples indicating the unsuitability of water for irrigation
under ordinary condtions and water is unfit for irrigation in 18% of samples, while 45% of
samples water falls in C3S1 category. The water in crystalline formation is suitable for
irrigation with 75% of samples falling in C3S1 category and rest in C2S1 category.
4.3.2

Quality of water from deeper aquifers:

In general, the ground water is suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes in
crystallines, sedimentaries while that occurring in alluvium the water is not suitable
purpose and irrigation purpose under ordinary conditions.

5.0 GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Ground water is the main source of irrigation in crystallines and there is much
scope for ground water development. However, the available resources in these rocks is
site specific. Hence, in order to avoid wasteful expenditure on drilling and encountering
dry wells in hard rok areas, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive surveys before
drilling of bore wells. Generally dug wells are suitable in crystalline rocks in valley
portions. Bore wells are feasible wherever these rocks are deeply weathered and
fractured. Run off is also high in these areas. Therefore, it is suggested to construct
rainwater-harvesting structures upstream of irrigated areas to augment ground water
resources.
In sedimentary tract, the phreatic aquifers are mostly dry with the over
development of ground water, where it is developed by means of tube wells or dug-cumbore wells. The sedimentaries comprise multi-aquifer systems where the number of

aquifers varies from one to six. The aquifers are made up of fine to coarse-grained
sandstones with the thickness of more than 600m, with discharges varying from 4.0 to 45
lps. However, the wells have to be properly constructed following well design norms. It
is always necessary that wells are to be spaced as per norms to avoid lowering of
piezometric surface and increase in pumping lift. It is known that most of the ground
water development has taken place in private sector and wells are constructed in improper
way and well assembly is lowered without studying the granular zones and seldom gravel
packing is done. Generally casing is provided down to depth range of 35 60 m. beyond
which slotted casing is provided and the slot size is commonly 2 m. m. and the tube wells
are packed with gravel only in selected cases. Based on the available data NABARD has
suggested 90 to 150 m. depth for tube wells constructed in sedimentary area with 200 to
150 mm assembly and with 40 to 60 metres of housing and provided with 10 to 15 H.P.
There is a need to encourage small and marginal farmers to go for drip irrigation by
providing necessary incentives and guidance and to adopt suitable cropping pattern and
agricultural practices for proper management of ground water resources.
In alluvium, it is highly necessary that fresh water repositories (paleo channels)
are to be protected from over pumping. Possibility of optimum utilization of surface and
ground water may be considered locally after micro level surveys considering the quality
constraint, to contain water logging. The wells are to be pumped at optimium pumping
rate following spacing norms to avoid undesirable effect of saline water intrusion.
Environmental protection measures are to be followed in aqua culture practices.
6.0 GROUND WATER RELATED ISSUES & PROBLEMS
The ground water issues in the district include water table depletion, ground water
salinity, water logging, corrosion, aqua culture.
Due to increased ground water development over the past three
decades in upland areas of the district, there is depletion of water table and piezometric
levels. In alluvial area however there are no significant changes. The water table
depletion in general is reported to exist in all the upland mandals underlain by
sedimentaries. At places in the area the water levels have declined down to as deep as 40
m bgl. The maximum fall was recorded at G.Kothapalli (2.08 m/annum) followed by
Koyyalagudem (1.86 m/annum).The depletion of piezometric heads is also reflected by
the fact that free flow of wells has virtually stopped in many wells (Bhimadolu-Kaikaram
areas) due to excessive ground water draft in the area.

Water table depleted areas:

During the post monsoon season, most of the canal command area is under
water logged condition. However, during the pre-monsoon, part of the area has water
levels between 2.0 and 5.0 m bgl. Therefore, it is evident that command area is either
water logged or prone to water logging and the area also is seasonally water logged. The
excessive irrigation, flat topography, high rainfall poor drainage and soils are the factors
that are responsible for the water logging in the district.

Water logging:

Ground Water Salinity: It

is observed from ground water exploration studies that the deeper

aquifers are brackish. Based on the available data it is observed that an area of 3100 sq.
kms. is affected due to salinity and also as per the U.S. salinity Laboratory classification,
water is unsuitable for irrigation where an area of 2650 sq. kms. is having E.C. more than
2250 /siemens/c.m. There are 15 mandals affected by salinity, of these some mandals
like Mogalturu, Narsapur, Kalla, Bhimavaram and Elamanchali are susceptible to tidal
influence. There are some mandals like Bhimadole, Denduluru, Eluru and Peddapadu

which are located away from the coast and tidal influence. Considering that the delta is of
prograding nature and subjected to transgressions and regressions in the past, it could be
summarised that the poor quality water is mainly due to depositional environment of the
formation though, water logging, intensive irrigation, tidal influence, aqua culture
practices also contribute to some extent.
Special ground water problems:

The problem of corrosion exists in some parts of upland areas of the district
underlain by sedimentaries. It is reported to occur in the district into two zones. i)
Bhimadole-Pulla area: villages falling in this zone are Bhimadole, Suruppagudem,
M.Nagulapalli, Surbhapuram, Buttaigudem, A.Gokavaram, Amberpeta and Nallamadu.
Corrosion is also reported to occur to some extent in Jaganathapuram and Madhavaram
villages in Tadepalligudem mandal in east central parts of the district where similar
hydrogeological environment exist. ii).Dwaraka Tirumala Koyyalagudem area: Villages
falling in this zone are Yadavolu (Devarapalli mandal) Jaganathapuram and
Chinnaigudem (Gopalapuram mandal) Kanakadripuram, Kannaigudem, Yerranapeta,
Ponguturu and Gavaravaram (Koyyalagudem mandal), Pothavaram (Nallajerla mandal),
I.S.Jaganathapuram, Timmapuram and Kommera (Dwaraka Thirumala mandal).
Considering this, farmers shifted to PVC pipes to avoid corrosion.

Corrosion:

Aquaculture: In coastal areas of the district during the last decade there has been enormous
growth of aqua culture farming. In this district about 11,740 units with water spread area
of 6,72.278 hectares under prawn culture exists in the 5 coastal mandals viz., Narsapuram,
Mogalturu, Bhimavaram, kalla and Akiveedu. Though aquaculture is prevalent in the
coastal area of the district, no systematic study has been taken up on the impact of
aquaculture on ground water.

7.0

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The balance ground water resource needs to be developed with abundant

caution following spacing norms, well design, optimum pumping rates and
recommended cropping pattern. During the last three decades there is
considerale decline in piezometric levels of confined aquifes. In this context,
it is recommended to keep the distributary canals unlined under the
proposed Polavaram Project in sedimentary area which help in building
of water levels. Farmers may be advised not to grow sugarcane crop in
water stress areas.
2. Fresh water repositories (paleo channels, sand ridges) in delta are to be protected
from over pumping.
3. In the deltaic regions the irrigation is chiefly dependent on canal water supply.
The water levels are shallow and water logging problem exists and ground water
resources lie untapped. Therefore the prospects of taking up of conjunctive use of
both surface and ground water need to be taken up after micro level surveys to
understand disposition of aquifer geometry, quality variation in depth and
optimum pumping rates so as not to disturb fresh water salt water interface.

4. Studies on aqua culture need to be taken up to analyse the quality changes as well
as impact on ground water and pollution. Piezometers need to be constructed in
coastal tract to montor quality on continous basis.
5. Ground water development in tribal pockets of the district is very less and there is
further scope for further ground water development to create more irrigation
potential. However, the occurrence of ground water is site specific. Wells have to
be drilled in favourable places like lineament zones, valley fill and pediplain areas.
Acknowledgements: The author thanks Sri G.Sudarshan, Head of Office, CGWB,
SR for his suggestions in preparation of this brochure. He thanks
Dr.V.S.R.Krishna, A.Hg for his help in preparation of depth to water level maps.
Thanks are due to Sri P.Sudhakar, Sc-C (HM) for his inputs for preparation of
rainfall chapter. The data received from Ground Water Department, Irrigation
Department and other State Agencies is sincerely acknowledged.
References:
1. Rao. P.N. (2008) Ground Water Brochure, West Godavari district, Andhra
Pradesh, CGWB Unpublished report.
2. Records of Govt.of Andhra Pradesh

Appendix-I

Mandal Wise Dynamic Groundwater Resources of the West Goadavari District,

Andhra Pradesh [2008-2009] [In Ha.m.]

Sl.
No.

Mandal

Command/Noncommand

Net annual
ground
water
availability

Chintalapudi

Lingapalem

T. Narasapuram

Jeelugumilli

Buttayagudem

Polavaram

Tallapudi

Gopalapuram

Koyyalagudem

Existing
gross
ground
water
draft for
all uses

Provision
for
domestic
and
industrial
requirement
supply to
2025

Net ground
water
availability
for future
irrigation
development

Stage of
ground
water
development

Category(Safe/Se
micritical/Critical/O
ver-exploited)

Com

139

74

26

65

53

Safe

N.C.

5569

3748

226

1638

67

Safe

P.Q.

5708

3822

252

1703

67

Safe

Com

963

291

667

30

Safe

N.C.

2692

2302

92

325

86

Safe

P.Q.

3655

2593

100

992

71

Com

N.C.

5692

3658

283

1762

64

P.Q.

5692

3658

283

1762

64

Safe

Com

Safe

N.C.

2300

1321

132

873

57

P.Q.

2300

1321

132

873

57

Com

N.C.

6705

1593

521

4598

24

P.Q.

6705

1593

521

4598

24

Safe

Com

138

138

Safe

N.C.

1930

813

194

929

42

Safe

P.Q.

2068

813

194

1067

39

Safe

Com

409

409

Safe

N.C.

1321

749

141

572

57

Safe

P.Q.

1730

749

141

981

43

Safe

Com

844

195

27

622

23

Safe

N.C.

2707

1744

83

963

64

Safe

P.Q.

3551

1939

110

1585

55

Com

N.C.

2863

2177

96

686

76

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Safe

Safe

Safe

Safe

Safe

Safe

P.Q.

2863

2177

96

686

76

Com

N.C.

4512

2626

52

1886

58

P.Q.

4512

2626

52

1886

58

Safe

Com

43

18

25

42

Safe

N.C.

2844

1979

108

765

70

Safe

P.Q.

2887

1997

117

790

69

Safe

Com

832

220

30

612

26

Safe

N.C.

4121

2710

136

1318

66

Safe

P.Q.

4953

2930

166

1930

59

Safe

Com

709

11

698

Safe

N.C.

3118

2167

134

929

69

Safe

P.Q.

3827

2167

145

1627

57

Safe

Com

208

114

89

55

Safe

N.C.

3455

2341

302

818

68

Safe

P.Q.

3663

2455

307

907

67

Safe

Com

629

104

42

525

17

Safe

N.C.

3023

1531

172

1492

51

Safe

P.Q.

3652

1635

214

2017

45

Safe

Com

133

85

14

48

64

Safe

N.C.

2716

1588

122

1062

58

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

2849

1673

136

1110

59

Safe

Com

1775

75

46

1683

Safe

N.C.

769

354

71

415

46

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

2544

429

117

2098

17

Safe

Com

1606

634

35

945

39

Safe

N.C.

2451

661

168

1754

27

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

4057

1295

203

2699

32

Safe

Com

2332

37

41

2258

Safe

N.C.

2100

1368

83

678

65

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

4432

1405

124

2936

32

Safe

Com

2226

36

41

2162

Safe

N.C.

1603

1367

96

147

85

Safe

Total (Ex.PQ)

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Jangareddigudem

Kamavarapukota

Dwarakatirumala

Nallajerla

Devarapalli

Kovvuru

Chagallu

Nidadavole

Tadepalligudem

Unguturu

Bhimadole

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Total (Ex.PQ)

Safe

Safe

P.Q.

3829

1403

137

2309

37

Safe

Com

542

99

35

443

18

Safe

N.C.

3497

2792

138

581

80

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

4039

2891

173

1024

72

Safe

Com

2869

71

81

2718

Safe

N.C.

572

464

31

81

81

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

3441

535

112

2799

16

Safe

Com

3033

149

68

2816

Safe

N.C.

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

3033

149

68

2816

Safe

Com

1427

541

94

838

38

Safe

N.C.

1244

1121

74

88

90

Safe

P.Q.

Total (Ex.PQ)

21

22

23

Pedavegi

Pedapadu

Eluru

24

Denduluru

Total (Ex.PQ)

2671

1662

168

926

62

Safe

25

Nidamarru

Com /PQ.

6288

6288

Poor quality

26

Ganapavaram

Com /PQ.

7490

7490

Poor quality

27

Pentapadu

Com /PQ.

10524

158

79

10366

Poor quality

28

Tanuku

Com.

6074

354

538

5359

Safe

29

Undrajavaram

Com.

6846

1450

725

5396

21

Safe

30

Peravali

Com.

5281

912

327

4042

17

Safe

31

Iragavaram

Com.

4892

549

313

4030

11

Safe

32

Attili

Com.

6518

60

322

6136

Safe

33

Undi

Com /PQ.

12036

12036

Poor quality

34

Akiveedu

Com /PQ.

14824

14824

Poor quality

35

Kalla

Com /PQ.

8131

8131

Poor quality

36

Bhimavaram

Com /PQ.

8801

8801

Poor quality

37

Palakoderu

Com /PQ.

6971

6971

Poor quality

38

Veeravasaram

Com /PQ.

21139

21139

Poor quality

39

Penumantra

Com.

7084

480

293

6311

Safe

40

Penugonda

Com.

6712

524

524

5664

Safe

41

Achanta

Com.

6522

1178

299

5045

18

Safe

42

Poduru

Com /PQ.

8103

428

214

7675

Poor quality

43

Palakollu

Com /PQ.

7212

480

16

6732

Poor quality

44

Yelamanchili

Com /PQ.

8131

752

7379

Poor quality

45

Narasapuram

Com /PQ.

9902

9902

Poor quality

46

Mogalturu

Com /PQ.

4694

4694

Poor quality

Com.

70786

8250

3954

59744

12

Safe

N.C.

67804

41174

3455

24360

61

Safe

P.Q.

134246

1818

309

132428

Total (Ex.P.Q)

138590

49424

7409

84104

36

District Total

Com-Command; N.C-Non-Command; PQ Poor Quality

Safe