CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GROUND WATER INFORMATION

GUNTUR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

SOUTHERN REGION
HYDERABAD
AUGUST, 2007

1
 CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GROUND WATER INFORMATION

GUNTUR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

SOUTHERN REGION BHUJAL BHAWAN,

3-6-291, Hyderguda NH.IV, FARIDABAD-121001
Hyderabad-500029 HARYANA, INDIA
Andhra Pradesh TEL: 0129-2418518
Tel: 23225485 Gram: Bhumijal
Gram: Antarjal

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 GROUND WATER INFORMATION, GUNTUR DISTRICT,
ANDHRA PRADESH
By
C. Paul Prabhakar
Scientist-D

CONTENTS

District at a Glance

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Rainfall

3.0 Ground Water Scenario

3.1 Hydrogeology

3.2 Ground Water Resources

3.3 Ground Water Quality

3.4 Status of Ground Water Development

4.0 Ground Water Management Strategy

4.1 Ground Water Development

4.2 Water Conservation & Artificial Recharge

5.0 Recommendations

TABLES

1 Major And Medium Irrigation Schemes In Guntur District

2 The Mandal-Wise Annual Rainfall Since 1997-98 To 2004-05

3 Mandal Wise Ground Water Resource Of Guntur District 2004

4 Mandal-Wise Villages Falling Under Semi-Critical/Critical/ Over Exploited

Categories In Guntur District.

5 Range Of Chemical Classification Constituents In Ground Water

6 Formation Was Details Of Different Ground Water Abstraction

Structures And Their Yields In The District

i
 TABLES

7 The Area Irrigated Under Different Sources In The District

8 The Mandal Wise And Source Wise Details Area Irrigated

9 Spacing To Be Maintained Between Any Two Wells

10 The Mandal Wise Details Of Water Supply Status

11 Mandal Wise Drinking Water Problematic Villages

12 The Net Area Irrigated By Ground Water In The District During The
Last 7 Years Are As Follows.

FIGURES

1 Location Map Of Guntur

2 Isohyte Map Of Guntur District.

3 District Average Annual Rainfall Since 1981 To 2005

4 Distribution Of Rainfall Under Different Seasons During 2005-06

5 Graphical Representation Of Normal Rainfall In Guntur District.

6 Season Wise Rainfall Received In Guntur In Pie Diagram

7 Rainfall At Pedakurapadu From 1995 To 2006

8 Annual Rainfall At Macherla From 1995 To 2006

9 Annual Rainfall At Gurazala From 1995 To 2006

10 Annual Rainfall At Piduguralla From 1995 To 2006

11 Geology Of The Guntur District.

12 Hydrogeology Of The Guntur District.

13 a-j Hydrograph Of Some Of The Network Stations.

14 Depth Water Table Map (Pre-Monsoon)

15 Depth Water Table Map (Post-Monsoon)

16 Water Table Fluctuation Map.

17 Classification Of Ground Water For Irrigation Purposes By US-

Salinity Diagram.

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18. Classification Of Ground Water Of Guntur District Of Irrigation
Purposes As Per Wilcox Diagram.

19 Distribution Of Chloride

20 Distribution Of Fluoride

21 Distribution Of Nitrate

22 Electrical Conductivity

23 Source Wise Area Irrigated Is Depicted In Pie Diagram In Fig.23

24 Gross Area Irrigated By All Sources Together

25 Area Irrigated By Canals Over The Years

26 Area Under Tank Irrigation

27 Area Irrigated By Tube Wells And Filter Points

28 Area Irrigated Through Dug Wells

29 Area Feasible For Construction Of Artificial Recharge Structures.

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 GROUND WATER INFORMATION, GUNTUR DISTRICT,
ANDHRA PRADESH

DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

I GENERAL:

1. Location : North Latitudes 15 o44’ and 16o47’

East Longitudes 79o10’ and 80o55’
2. Geographical Area : 11,328.23 sq.km.
3. District Head Quarters : Guntur
4. Municipalities : 10
Mandals : 57
Villages : 729
Towns : 11
II Population: (2001 Census)
1. District Population : 44,65,144
2. Urban Population : 12,85,760
3. Rural Population : 31,79,384
4. Literate : 24,55,965
5. Density of Population : 394 persons/sq.km
6. Decadal Growth Rate : 8.72%
(1991-2001)
III CLIMATOLOGY:
1. Average Annual Rainfall : 889.1 mm
2. Contribution from S.W : 525 mm (59%)
Monsoon
3. Contribution from N.E. : 228 mm (26%)_
Monsoon
4. Mean Daily Maximum : 48.5 oC
Temperature (Summer)
5. Mean Daily Minimum : 16.8 oC
Temperature (Winter)
6. Relative Humidity : Highest 80%
: Lowest 30%
7. Evapotranspiration : 145mm – 350 mm
8. Wind Speed : 4.5 to 16.3 km/hr.

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IV LAND USE: (2002-03)
Area Percentage to
(in sqkm) District Area
1. Total Geographical Area : 11,328.23 sqkm. --
2. Land Under Forests : 1619.39 14.30
3. Barren & Uncultivable : 344.69 3.04
Land
4. Land put to Non- : 1499.94 13.24
Agricultural Use
5. Cultivable Waste Land : 358.56 3.17
6. Permanent Pastures & : 242.83 2.14
other Grazing Lands
7. Land Under Misc. Tree : 405.00 3.58
and Crops
8. Other Fallow Lands : 331.58 2.93
9. Net Area Sown : 5430.26 47.94
V. IRRIGATION: (2002-03)
Khariff Rabi Total
(in ha) (in ha) (Gross)
(in ha)
1. Canals : 203466 1021 2,04,487
2. Tanks : 2287 116 2,403
3. Bore Wells/Tube Wells/ : 41339 8795 50,134
filter-Point Wells
4. Dug Wells and Other : 5808 1403 7,211
Sources
5. Total Area Irrigated. : 2,52, 11,33 2,64,235
900 5
VI. AGRICULTURE: (2002-03)
Khariff Rabi Total
(in ha) (in ha) (Gross)
(in ha)
1. Paddy : 2,02,953 2,716 2,05,669
2. Total Cereals & Millets : 48,819 1,93,215 2,42,034
3. Black Gram : 3,217 1,76,210 1,79,427
4. Total Food Grains : 2,54,594 2,11,212 4,65,806
5. Chillies : 58,658 658 59,316
6. Total Oil Seeds : 9,168 5,052 14,220

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 7. Tobacco : 30 2,562 2,592
8. Cotton : 98,561 68 98,629
VII GROUND WATER RESOURCES: (2003)
1. Annual Ground Water : 3,633.88 MCM/Year
Recharge
2. Net Ground Water Draft : 365.42 MCM/Year
3. Balance Ground Water : 3,268.47 MCM/Year
Resource Available
4. Stage of Ground Water : 10 %
Development
5. Additional Abstraction : 2,17,898
Structures Feasible (in
numbers)
VIII CHEMICAL QUALITY OF GROUND WATER: MAY’ 2004
RANGE
Chemical Constituent Min. Max.
1. pH : 7.67 8.53

2. E.C μ at 25oC : 480 5920

3. Total Hardness : 150 1220

4. Calcium (mg/l) : 36 240

5. Magnesium (mg/l) : 12 185

6. Sodium (mg/l) : 106 783

7. Potassium (mg/l) : 1.1 935

8. Carbonate (mg/l) : 0 30

9. Bicarbonate (mg/l) : 201 860

10. Chloride (mg/l) : 43 1368

11. Sulphate (mg/l) : 9.6 480

12. Nitrates (mg/l) : 1.86 379

13. Fluoride : 0.26 2.28

***

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 GROUND WATER INFORMATION
GUNTUR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Guntur district has been gifted with the vast surface and ground water
resources. About 3.56 lakh ha area is irrigated by canals and it has a ground water
recourses of 3.63 lakh ham. However the failure of rainfall over successive years
since 2001 has resulted in depletion in ground water resources as well as canal water
supply for irrigation. This has greatly effected the agricultural production. The supply
of spurious seeds, insecticides and fertilizers has further contributed to the failure of
the crops. It is reported that around 60 farmer belonging to 29 mandals have
committed suicides because of great loses they have incurred in farming over the
consecutive years. It is reported that majority of the effected farmers are those who
were engaged in cash crops like chili, cotton and tobacco forming. The list of the
farmers who have committed suicide in the district is appended at Annexure-I.

The Guntur district with a geographical area of 11,328 sq. kms falling

between Latitudes 15o44’ & 16o47’ North. And Longitudes 79o10’ & 80o55’ East

(Fig.-1) and having a population of 44,65,144 (2001 census) ( 22.50 lakh males and

22.15 lakh females) is one of the Central coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. It

comprises 57 mandals under administrative control of 3 divisions namely

Narasaraopet, Guntur and Tenali. The district has 729 villages and 1036 hamlets. The

annual normal rainfall received by the district is 889.1 mm. Southwest and northeast

monsoon contributes 59% and 26% respectively. Mainly Krishan and Gundlakamma

rivers with its important tributaries drain the district. Its important tributaries include

Gundlavagu near Durgi, the Golivagu near Rentachintala, the Dandi vagu near

Gurajala, the Naguleru near Korampudi, the Gadidela vagu near Piduguralla, the

Edduvagu near Kovuru and both the Vite Vagu and Mada vagu near Amaravati

(Vaikuntapuram).

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2
 The district has 2 major and 1 medium irrigation projects. The Nagarjunasagar

Right Bank Canal Command (NSRCCA), Krishna Western Delta (KWD) Canal

System and Guntur Channels Scheme.

The NSRCCA has been designed of discharging capacity of 22,000 Cusec

through its two main canals with each one having a capacity of 11,000 Cusec. This

project has a vast network of irrigation system spread over 5 districts. The length of

the Right Main Canal is 201.6 km with an ayacut of 4.505 lakh ha. The length of the

Left Main Canal is 177.6 km with an ayacut of 3.869 lakh ha. The total length of the

Branch canals and Distributories is around 24,000 km. In Guntur district total

irrigation potential created is around 2,74,000 ha.

The Krishna Western Delta canal system (KWDS) covers 24 mandals. It has a

main canal length of 355.44 Km in total and 1,135 Km of branch canals. The head

discharge at Sithanagaram Head sluice is 8000 C/S. The total registered Ayacut in

Guntur district is 4,99,231 acres (2,02,038.78 ha).

The Guntur channel scheme is a Medium Irrigation Project for supply of water

for Irrigation of the high level lands adjoining Krishna delta. The requirement of

water for this project is drawn through Undavali vagu, which receives water from

Krishna River, through an out fall sluice, on the upstream of Prakasam barrage. The

head regulator is designed to pass the full discharge of 600 cusecs. The length of

Guntur channel is 47.00 km with total ayacut of 27000 acres (10927 ha). The project

wise irrigation details are given in Table-1.

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Table-1
MAJOR AND MEDIUM IRRIGATION SOURCES 2003-04
(Area in Hectares)
S. Major/ Name of the Project Registered Actual area irrigated
No. Medium Aycut Net Gross
1. Major K.W.D 202036 173788 173788

N.S.P. RIGHT
267000 172000 172000
CANAL

2. Medium GUNTUR CHANNEL 10931 10540 10540

Total 3,56,328

The total area irrigated by all sources in the district is 4,30,806 ha which

works out to be 23.33% of the total area of the district. Out of this about 3,56,328 ha

(82.71%) is irrigated through canal network and 1.94% through lift irrigation. 14%

area is irrigated through Tube wells and filter points and the rest 1.35% area is

irrigated through Tanks and other sources. The major crops grown are paddy,

coconut, groundnut, sugarcane, pulses, chilies, tobacco, cotton and fruit crops like

Banana, Orange, Mango and other fruit varieties.

About 40% of the district is underlain by hard rocks. About 35% area is

occupied by alluvium and the rest 25% by soft rocks.

The geological mapping of the district was first carried out by William King
and Bruce foote of Geological Survey of India (GSI). Subsequently detailed
geological mapping was done by various officers of the Geological Survey of India
during different field seasons. However CGWB has been carrying out different
scientific studies in the district soon after its formation. Under Hydrogeological
studies CGWB has covered the entire district under systematic hydrogeological
investigations/studies by the year 1990 in addition to other surveys. After this,
reappraisal surveys are being conducted in the district regularly. Recently it has also
conducted detailed micro level studies in the coastal mandals to map out the saline
and fresh water interface.

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 Under its Ground Water Exploratory program CGWB has drilled several
exploratory bore wells in the deltaic, coastal and other alluvial areas with a depth
ranging between 200 to 600 m. Right now under its regular program CGWB is
carrying out Ground Water exploration in hard rock areas of the district.
CGWB also monitors ground water regime through battery of wells
located throughout the district 4 times every year to ascertain the changes occurring in
the ground water regime due to failure of rainfall, development of ground water,
water logging areas and over exploitation etc. Each year water samples are collected
from these wells for chemical analysis to ascertain the changes in ground water
chemical quality. There are right now 39 National Hydrograph Network Stations in
the district.
In addition to the above CGWB has conducted Water Supply
Investigations, Geophysical surveys, Remote Sensing Studies, Ground Water
Pollution studies and Urban Hydrogeology etc. in the district.

2.0 RAINFALL

The district has one Indian Meteorological Observatory (IMD) at

Rentachintala, and there are over 40 rain gauge stations in the district. The mandal-
wise annual rainfall since 1997-98 to 2004-05 is given in Table-2 and the distribution
of normal rainfall over the district depicted in Fig.2. Isohyets showing the normal
annual rainfall as well as the rainfall for the year 2004-‘05 is depicted in Fig. 3. The
normal rainfall received in the district is 815 mm. The rainfall gradually increases
from western part to the eastern part of the district and towards the seacoast in the
order of 650 mm to 950 mm. Major portion of the rainfall in the district is received
during the south west monsoon between June and September, which contributes about
69% (562 mm) of the annual rainfall and 30% (244 mm) is received during the
northeast monsoon (October to December) and summer period. The distribution of
normal rainfall over the district during South-West and North-East monsoon are given
in Fig-4. The graphical representation of the district average annual rainfall since
1981 to 2005 is given in Fig-5 and the season wise distribution of normal rainfall is
depicted in pie diagram at Fig. 6. The rainfall plotting of few of the raingauge stations
at Pedakurapadu, Macherla, Gurazala, Piduguralla Fig.7, 8, 9 & 10 respectively
indicates that there has been progressively deficit rainfall over the years since year

5
2000 onwards. The declining trend ie deficit in the rainfall received in the district
over successive years has caused near drought conditions in the areas which does not
fall in canal commands.
The failure of monsoon rainfall over successive years since 2001 onwards has
led to failure of crops in the areas where farmers are dependent on the rains as well as
in the tail end of the command system. Successive crops failure due to deficit rainfall,

6
 Table 2.

MANDAL-WISE ANNUAL RAINFALL AND ITS DEPARTURE FROM NORMAL

GUNTUR DISTRICT
(Rainfall in mm) Departure from Normal

S.NO MANDAL 2002- 2004- 2000- 2004- CUMMULATIVE

Normal 2000-01 2001-02 2003-04 2001-022002-03 2003-04 REMARKS
03 05 01 05 DEPARTURE

1 Macherla 647 602 539 378 671 618 -7% -17% -42% 4% -4% -66% Scanty

2 Rentachintala 681 762 775 382 769 671 12% 14% -44% 13% -1% -7% Normal

3 Gurzala 719 761 775 682 722 637 6% 8% -5% 0% -11% -3% Normal

4 Dachepalli 761 612 768 342 660 779 -20% 1% -55% -13% 2% -85% Scanty

5 Machavaram 776 855 998 395 831 826 10% 29% -49% 7% 6% 3% Normal

6 Bellamkonda 803 686 944 580 968 542 -15% 18% -28% 21% -33% -37% Deficit

7 Atchampet 818 776 790 592 1161 852 -5% -3% -28% 42% 4% 10% Normal

8 Krosuru 808 759 790 592 1156 902 -6% -2% -27% 43% 12% 20% Excess

9 Amravathi 849 1004 708 462 888 596 18% -17% -46% 5% -30% -69% Scanty

10 Thullur 881 949 1181 455 897 718 8% 34% -48% 2% -19% -23% Deficit

11 Tadepalli 957 984 1090 491 1101 953 3% 14% -49% 15% 0% -17% Normal

12 Mangalagiri 936 1448 1632 758 1103 932 55% 74% -19% 18% 0% 127% Surplus

13 Tadikonda 863 1004 964 418 1102 829 16% 12% -52% 28% -4% 0% Normal

14 Pedakurapadu 817 876 725 556 976 820 7% -11% -32% 19% 0% -16% Normal

15 Sattenapalli 808 808 802 526 882 829 0% -1% -35% 9% 3% -24% Deficit

16 Rajupalem 786 798 853 614 1127 591 2% 9% -22% 43% -25% 7% Normal

17 Piduguralla 759 780 917 571 983 608 3% 21% -25% 30% -20% 8% Normal

18 Karempudi 722 708 677 561 918 588 -2% -6% -22% 27% -19% -22% Deficit

19 Durgi 666 610 871 423 959 578 -8% 31% -36% 44% -13% 17% Normal

20 Veldurthy 635 736 891 514 660 565 16% 40% -19% 4% -11% 30% Excess

21 Bollapli 683 848 878 651 1026 645 24% 29% -5% 50% -6% 93% Surplus

22 Nakarikallu 780 795 678 443 1300 573 2% -13% -43% 67% -27% -14% Normal

23 Muppala 788 804 793 527 953 660 2% 1% -33% 21% -16% -26% Deficit

24 Phirangipuram 818 960 897 478 1221 784 17% 10% -42% 49% -4% 31% Excess

25 Medikondur 823 1043 905 490 1061 689 27% 10% -40% 29% -16% 9% Normal

26 Guntur 890 981 986 499 1190 1012 10% 11% -44% 34% 14% 24% Excess

27 Pedakakani 897 1136 940 474 1269 929 27% 5% -47% 41% 4% 29% Excess

28 duggirala 979 918 1105 490 1026 942 -6% 13% -50% 5% -4% -42% Deficit

29 Kollipara 933 834 842 449 923 692 -11% -10% -52% -1% -26% -99% Scanty

30 Kolluru 1005 1409 1168 819 1954 1223 40% 16% -19% 94% 22% 154% Surplus

31 Vemuru 980 1069 1225 538 1202 1009 9% 25% -45% 23% 3% 15% Normal

32 Tenali 968 1054 1017 508 1176 902 9% 5% -48% 21% -7% -19% Normal

7
 33 T Sundur 958 1047 1017 508 1041 772 9% 6% -47% 9% -19% -42% Deficit

34 Chebrolu 952 920 967 443 934 623 -3% 2% -53% -2% -35% -92% Scanty

35 Vatticherukuru 903 859 936 399 1045 758 -5% 4% -56% 16% -16% -57% Deficit

36 Prathipadu 861 706 822 415 916 732 -18% -5% -52% 6% -15% -83% Scanty

37 Edlapadu 899 814 594 350 766 622 -9% -34% -61% -15% -31% -150% Scanty

38 Nadendla 898 874 662 356 830 783 -3% -26% -60% -8% -13% -110% Scanty

39 Narsaraopet 761 775 875 620 682 772 2% 15% -19% -10% 1% -11% Normal

40 Rompicherla 732 712 813 545 761 656 -3% 11% -26% 4% -10% -24% Deficit

41 Ipur 706 864 919 666 739 676 22% 30% -6% 5% -4% 47% Excess

42 Savalayapuram 725 724 707 234 663 714 0% -2% -68% -9% -2% -80% Scanty

43 Vinukonda 720 912 642 778 1243 1054 27% -11% 8% 73% 46% 143% Surplus

44 Nuzendla 705 824 496 340 678 471 17% -30% -52% -4% -33% -102% Scanty

45 Chilkaluripet 806 889 779 499 742 551 10% -3% -38% -8% -32% -71% Scanty

46 Pedanandipadu 897 1008 1005 388 856 502 12% 12% -57% -5% -44% -81% Scanty

47 Kukumanu 762 828 805 299 1312 585 9% 6% -61% 72% -23% 2% Normal

48 Pnnuru 911 1016 1061 508 1062 585 12% 16% -44% 17% -36% -35% Deficit

49 Amarthaluru 1037 1166 1014 414 882 727 12% -2% -60% -15% -30% -95% Scanty

50 Cherukupalli 943 970 835 467 776 565 3% -11% -50% -18% -40% -117% Scanty

51 Bhattiprolu 910 1351 1007 640 1204 857 48% 11% -30% 32% -6% 56% Excess

52 Repalle 992 1197 904 642 1019 813 21% -9% -35% 3% -18% -39% Deficit

53 Nagaram 911 1293 904 642 1065 678 42% -1% -30% 17% -26% 3% Normal

54 Nizampatnam 925 1306 1022 701 1155 708 41% 10% -24% 25% -23% 29% Excess

55 P.V.Palem 758 1312 1156 694 1105 676 73% 53% -8% 46% -11% 152% Surplus

56 Karlapalem 797 1314 1156 694 1050 727 65% 45% -13% 32% -9% 120% Surplus

57 Bapatla 880 1210 1025 641 999 565 38% 16% -27% 14% -36% 5% Normal

MEAN 835 934 899 518 989 731 12% 8% -38% 18% -12% -12% Normal

Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, Andhra Pradesh

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Fig 2.

9
Fig 3.

10
Fig 4.

11
 spurious seeds, fertilizers and pesticides has led farmers to go in irrecoverable
debts forcing them to take extreme steps like suicide. In the district so far 60 suicidal
deaths of the farmers have been reported. The mandal wise list of the farmers is given
at Annexure-I.
Figure-5

AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL OF THE DISTRICT FROM 1995 TO 2006

1200.0
RAINFALL in mm

1000.0
800.0
600.0
400.0
200.0
0.0

k
al

5
-2
-9

-9

-9

-9

-0

-0

-0

-0

-0
m

99
95

96

97

98

00

01

02

03

04
or

19
N

19

19

19

19

20

20

20

20

20
Series1
YEARS
TREND LINE

Figure-6

DISTRIBUTION OF RAINFALL UNDER DIFFERENT

SEASONS DURING 2005-06
10%
1%

SOUTH WEST
MONSOON
20% NORTH EAST
MONSOON
WINTER
SEASON
HOT SEASON

69%

12
 Figure-7

RAINFALL AT PEDAKURAPADU FROM 1995 TO 20 06

1400.0

RAINFALL IN mm
1200.0
1000.0
800.0
600.0
400.0
200.0
0.0

96

5
k
al

-2
-9

-9

-9

-0

-0

-0

-0

-0
m

99
95

96

97

98

00

01

02

03

04
or

19
N

19

19

19

19

20

20

20

20

20
PEDAKURAPAD
U YEARS
TREND LINE

Figure-8

ANNUAL RAINFALL AT MACHERLA FROM 1995 TO 2006

1000.0
RAINFALL in mm

800.0
600.0
400.0
200.0
0.0
Normal 1995- 1996- 1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004-
96 97 98 99 2k 01 02 03 04 05
MACHERLA YEARS
Linear (MACHERLA )

13
 Figure-9

ANNUAL RAINFALL AT GURAZALA FROM 1995 TO 2006

RAINFALL in mm 1600.0
1400.0
1200.0
1000.0
800.0
600.0
400.0
200.0
0.0
al

k
6

5
-2
-9

-9

-9

-9

-0

-0

-0

-0

-0
m

99
95

96

97

98

00

01

02

03

04
or
N

19
19

19

19

19

20

20

20

20

20
GURAZALA
YEARS
TREND LINE

Figure-10

ANNUAL RAINFALL AT PIDUGURALLA FROM 1995 TO 2006

1200.0
RAINFALL in mm

1000.0
800.0
600.0
400.0
200.0
0.0
N

19

19

19

19

19

20

20

20

20

20
or

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04
m

-9

-9

-9

-9

-2

-0

-0

-0

-0

-0
al

5
PIDUGURALLA YEARS
Linear (PIDUGURALLA )

3.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

3.1 Hydrogeology:
The Guntur district is underlain by various rock types of different age groups
ranging from Archaean to Recent. The Archaean basement complex comprising
the granite-gneisses, Schists, Khondalites, Charnockites and basic dykes of
dolerites form the predominant rock types. It occupies around 1/3 rd part of the
district mainly in the central part of the district. These are the predominant water
bearing formations in the district. These formations lack primary porosity. They
developed secondary porosity through fracturing and subsequent weathering over

14
ages and become water bearing, although very much limited. The movement of
ground water is controlled by the degree of interconnections of the secondary
pores and voids. The depth of weathered mantle ranges from about 8 to 15m bgl
and below this zone fractured rocks are known to occur down to 40.0 m bgl. The
depth to water level ranges from less than a meter to 12 m bgl. Dug wells
generally yield 10 to 80 or even up to 200 m3/day, depending on the location of
the well. Bore wells drilled in these formations are 30 to 40m deep and generally
yield 1.5 to 5 lps and sometimes even more depending upon the fractured zone
encountered in the bore well. The dug wells sustain four to six hours of pumping
and capable of irrigating about 0.8 to 3.0 hectares. A perennial spring, with a
discharge of about 200 lpm is located along a fault, near Bugga Melleswara
temple of Papayapalem in the Bellamkonda Mandal, and it is reported that this
spring is being used to irrigate 10 hectares.

The fringe of the Archaeans in the central part of the district is represented by
the northeastern part of the Cuddapah basin, namely Nallamalai group of Upper
Cuddapahs. In a sequential order, the younger Kurnools occurring in the
Cuddapahs and those in the western parts of the district are thrust over by the
Cuddapahs and these in turn by the Archaean granite-gneisses. The Upper
Gondwana group of sandstones and shales out crop are seen at places between
Guntur and Tenali. The youngest rock types of the district appear to be of Mio-
Pliocene age followed by the Alluvial deposits of Recent to Sub-Recent age. In
the Cuddapah and Karnool group of rock slaty phyllites, quartzites and lime
stones the ground water occurs in the joints, bedding planes and the weathered
portions. However, the quartzite do not form good aquifers in the area because of
their compactness and occurrence at high relief. The ground water is developed in

15
 slaty phyllites by dug, dug-cum bore wells and few bore wells. The general
depth of wells varies from 3 to 25 m bgl, with moderate to very poor yields
ranging between 10 to 70 m3/day. The depth to water levels range from 0.4 to over
7.0 m bgl, but in phyllites and slates it varies from 4 to 15 m bgl. The general
yield of wells ranges from 20 to 80 m3/day, with exceptions in the highly fractured
locations.

The rocks of Upper Gondwanas occur as isolated out crops in the eastern part
of the district, viz., around Mutkuru, Sangam, Jagarlamudi and Kolkalur areas.
The Gondwana formations are of fluviatile or lacustrine origin and also contain
intercalated marine sediments, suggesting the marine transgression. The upper
Gondwanas in the district are divided into three divisions, viz., the basal
Budavada sandstones, which are buff coloured and of marine origin; the middle
thin bedded, buff coloured and fossiliferous (plant) Vemavaram shales and the
upper brown to red coloured and un-fossiliferous Pavaluru sandstones. The
ground water occurs under water table and confined conditions. The shales over-
lying the sandstone act as the confining medium. The ground water is tapped by
means of dug wells, dug-cum-bore wells and bore wells. The depth to water
ranges from 2.20 to 10.60 m bgl and the depth of dug wells varies between 5.50
and 18.50 m bgl. The tube wells in the area range in depth from 40.0 to 75.0 m
bgl, with yield ranges from 28 to 1300 lpm for drawdowns of 8.0 to 15.0m. The
quality of ground water in these formations at places is found to be brackish other
wise in general it is good for potable purposes.

The alluvial formations which are of recent to sub-recent in age were formed
from the weathering of the older rocks and also as fluvial/Marine alluvial
materials and residual soils. The fluvial alluvial deposits in the district are mainly
restricted to the Krishna river and its stream courses. Extensive tracts of alluvium
can be observed in the east and southeastern parts of the district and comprises of
intercalation of clay, silt, sand, gravel, pebbles and Kankar of variable thicknesses.
The thickness of alluvium varies from a few metres to over 100m. These are of
deltaic origin and marked at places by shallow to about 30m thick sandy to
gravelliferous palaeo/buried channels. The beach sands are combined to the areas
along the sea coast with the occurrence of beach ridges and back swamps.
Laterite, lateritic shingle and gravel occur in many parts of the district as

16
 superficial deposits. The thickness of the alluvium along the stream courses vary
from 2 to over 10.0m bgl. Ground water is being developed in the flood plain
areas of Krishna river course mostly through filter-point wells and shallow bore
wells with yields ranging from 3 to over 15 lps as observed around Rayapudi and
Borepalem areas of Amaravati and Thullur mandals. The depth to water level in
the alluvium of fluviatile origin ranges from almost ground level to 5m bgl. The
wells located in the river terraces and alluvial ridges register deep water level
conditions of 7.0 to over 12.0 m bgl with poor to moderate discharges. The
extensive deltaic alluvium occurring along the eastern and southeastern parts of
the district comprises alluvium of over 100 m in thickness but due to their sandy
clay nature are poorly permeable and the ground water movement is rather
sluggish. As a result the ground water is highly mineralized and at places it is
found to be brackish. The ground water utilization for irrigation in these areas is
observed to be negligible due to poor quality. The palaeo-channels, buried
channels and flood plains occurring in this region, especially, in the mandals of
Dugirala, Tenali, Ponnur and Repalle, are found to be potential aquifers with good
quality water. The palaeo/buried channels at places are thin to about 30m thick
and consist of sandy, gravelliferous formations and yield fresh water. The extent
of these formations vary from a few meters to as much as 2.5 km in width and
hundreds of meters to several kilometers in length. Filter-point wells and shallow
tube wells are the common ground water abstraction structures in these areas.
Ground water is brackish to saline at shallow depths especially in the areas
bordering the coast. Only the beach ridges at shallow depths yield fresh water. In
the deltaic and coastal alluvial areas, the depth to water level ranges from less than
1m to 5 m bgl. The depth of open wells ranges from 2m to 12 m bgl and the depth
of shallow tube wells and filter point wells range from 10m to 27m, with yields of
25 to over 75 cu.m/hr. Hydrogeomorphology and Hydrogeology of the district are
depicted in Fig. 11. & 12. respectively.

3.1.1 Ground Water Regime Studies:

In order to monitor the ground water regime in space and time, the Central
Ground Water Board (CGWB) has been conducting Ground Water Regime Studies
by the establishing and monitoring National Hydrograph Network Stations (NHNS)

17
Fig. 11

18
Fig 12.

19
in the entire district. The Board so far had established 39 such hydrograph stations in
various hydrogeological environments of the district which are being monitored four
times in a year ie. in the months of January, May, August and November. These
studies throw light on the pace of ground water development vis-a-vis recharge in
different areas and the variation in the quality of ground water with time. The
comparative study of the historical water levels highlight the areas extent of water
logging, ground water behaviour and stage of development, over exploitation if any
and fluctuations of water levels and quality changes with time and in space, effects of
surface water on ground water, rainfall (Pre-and post-monsoon) recharge, chemical
and other anthropogenic activities on the ground water regime. While analyzing the
ground water regime in the district the data of 220 observation wells monitored by
Andhra Pradesh State Ground water Department is also utilized. The State
department collects water levels every month and water samples twice in a year to
monitor the quality variations. The study of hydrographs of National Hydrograph
Network Stations indicate the changes in the ground water scenario of each station
from time to time. The data of all the observation wells when correlated with rainfall
as well as with the release and stoppage periods of canal water, there appears to be a
clear relationship. There is a perceptible rise in the water levels from June/July
onwards till December every year. Then the water levels fall from December
onwards till May. Just after the onset of monsoon (say June) to March of the
following year there is due to release of canal water in different irrigation commands
in the district and between middle of March to May/June, the canal water is stopped.
This is reflected in the hydrographs with a steep rise and decline. The fall in the
levels of hydrographs of the district may be attributed to the cessation of canal waters,
apart from the lessening effects of rainfall. Based on the hydrograph data,
hydrographs have been generated for the period since 1978 onwards and the same are
given in Fig.13 a, b, c, d, e, f, g, & h. On perusal of the hydrographs it is observed
that even though the annual rainfall received by the district for the last 4 years have
been below normal it is observed that out of the 39 hydrographs 9 show raising trends
during pre monsoon as well as during post monsoon periods. This may be attributed
to the application of canal water in the area where these wells are located however the
wells located near Guntur such as Prattipadu, Chebrolu, Sekuru and Guntur itself
indicate that the ground water is no longer being extensively used. On analysis of the
chemical data of water samples of these wells it is inferred that the ground water

20
Figure.13.a

21
Figure.13.b

22
Figure.13.c

23
Figure.13.d

24
Figure.13.e

25
Figure.13.f

26
Figure.13.g

27
Figure.13.h

28
around these wells have become saline due to saline water ingress. The hydrographs
of the wells at Repalle, Ponnuru, Chikaluripet, Medikondur show long term horizontal
trends of the permonsoon as well as for post monsoon periods this may be attributed
to the availability for surface water through canal and streams in the area and the less
dependency on ground water resources due its slightly saline in nature with Ec
reaching to 1200 micro- seimens/cm. The hydrographs of the wells located at
Rentachintala, Macheri, Sirigiripadu, Nekarikallu, Mangalagiri, Ipur, Vadlamudi,
Pondugula show falling trends both for pre-monsoon as well as for post monsoon
periods. This is because of the failure of rainfall over a period of time, more
dependency on ground water in this area due to non availability of the surface water in
the vicinity. Over all the picture of ground water indicates that the district average
shows a ground water raising trends.

3.1.2 Depth to Water And Its Behaviour In The District:

Taking the large extent of canal command areas as well as the resulting ground
water build up in the district, the depth to water level zones were demarcated in
the following order. The depth to water level distribution maps prepared for
November,’03 (Post monsoon) and May, 03 (Pre-monsoon) were shown in Fig. 14
& 15 and in the prevailing conditions in the district. On perusal of the two maps
indicates logging conditions during pre-monsoon period in a small area located in
the south-central part of the district i.e. in the area located just north of Bapatla.
But during Post-monsoon period, water logging conditions were observed in areas
around Atchempet, Nekarikallu, Pallapatla, Varagami, Chebrolu and Coastal
areas. About 75% of the area in the district especially in the central and coastal
areas show water logged (less than 2.0m bgl) to near water logged conditions
(DTW 2.0 to 5.0 m bgl) during post-monsoon period. But most of these areas are
occupied by areas prone to water logging (i.e. DTW 2 m to 5.0m bgl) during pre-
monsoon time accompanied by the stoppage of canal water. The upland areas,
pediment areas especially occupied by the quartzites, phyllites and slates and
alluvial ridges, areas along the Krishna river, registered deep water levels of over
10 m bgl. An appraisal of the depth to water level maps reveals that water levels
are shallow towards the branch canals and distributaries of NSRCCA,

29
Fig 14

30
Fig 15.

31
 KWD canal system and Guntur channel scheme and in certain parts, water
logged areas seem to be encroaching the areas prone to water logging and so
on. Temporary water logging conditions are also seen to prevail at certain
sections because of high rainfall, sudden release of canal water etc.

3.1.3 Ground Water Elevation And Flow Conditions In The District:

A study of the water table map of the Guntur district (Fig. 12) indicates that
elevation of water table in the district varies from less than a meter above mean
sea level (a msl) along the coast to 200m a msl in the central parts to above 200m
a msl towards the western and upland areas (around Veldurti) of the district. The
hilly areas in the district record high relief of more than 500m a msl. The water
table contours upto 20m a msl are widely spaced and occur along the eastern
alluvial areas as well as the central parts of the district, viz; around Narsaraopet,
Muppalla, lpur and achepalli. The water table contours become more compressed
towards Phirangipuram, Edlapadu, Nadendla and Durgi. Mounds of high
elevation of over 200m a msl were noticed in parts of Veldurthi. The water table
contours run more or less parallel courses and slope along the river and stream
courses, such as Krishna, Gundlakamma and Edduvagu. The hydraulic gradient
varies from less than 0.5m/km towards coast, to 2.5 m/km in the central parts, and
about 20m/km in the western parts (around Veldurthi).

3.1.4 Water Level Fluctuation:

Based on the water level data of National Hydrograph Network Stations, a water
table fluctuation map has been prepared (Fig. 16). On perusal of the map it is
inferred that barring few areas around Mangalgiri and Rentachintala, the entire
district shows a general annual fall of 0 to 3.0m during the pre-monsoon, 2003
which can be attributed to the stoppage of canal water in addition to the pre-
monsoon ground water withdrawal. This process is entirely reversed with the on
set of monsoon and supply of canal water, as revealed by the rise in water table

32
Fig. 16

33
upto 2.0m. The rise and fall is recurring and within 0 to 2.0 meter in the areas near to
the Nagarjunasagar Right Canal and its branch canals, contrary to the sharp and
extreme rise and fall observed in the tail end areas of Nagarjunasagar Right Canal
Command Area.

3.1.5 Study of Long Term Water Level Trends In The District:

To assess the long-term trends of water levels in the district, the National
Hydrograph Network Stations data for 20 years (1984-2003) period were analyzed
and the results show a declining trend from 0 to 1.0m during post-monsoon period
and the rising trend from 0 to 2.0 m during pre-monsoon period in the larger parts
of the canal command areas of the district. The trend are just opposite for the tail
end areas during these periods.

3.2 Ground Water Resources:

The ground water potential in the Guntur district, as on March, 2004 is

estimated as per the GEC-1997 and the Report has been published by State
Ground water board in consultation with Central Ground Water Board. The
mandal wise ground water resources of Guntur district are given in Table-3.

3.2.1 Ground Water Recharge:

The sources of recharge to the ground water body in the district are rainfall,
seepage from canals, return seepage from surface water irrigation, seepage from
tanks/lakes/ponds and negligible portion through influent seepage. The trend of
rainfall departure curve indicates the consistent nature of recharge in recent years.
Analysis of National Hydrograph Network Stations and the observation wells of
Andhra Pradesh State Groundwater Department data and hydrographs indicate the
rainfall infiltration factor of 0.12. Applying the rainfall infiltration factor, specific
yield and seepage factors to the area suitable for ground water recharge in the
district, the annual utilizable ground water recharge in the district is estimated to
be 3633.88 MCM/year.

Leaving the flood plain and palaeo-channel areas, the ground water utilization in
the large parts of the district is very limited because of the intensive canal.

34
 Table 3.

MANDAL WISE GROUNDWATER RESOURCE 2004

GUNTUR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

Ground water availability Ground water utilisation Groundwater balance stage of development
Category
S.No Mandal ha.m ha.m ha.m %

C NC T C NC T C NC T C NC T C NC Total
1 2 3 4 5 = (3-4) 6 = [(4/3)*100] 7

1 Amaravathi 5113 0 5113 751 0 751 4362 0 4362 15 NA 15 Safe NA Safe

2 Amarthalur 5686 0 5686 506 0 506 5179 0 5179 9 NA 9 Safe NA Safe

3 Atchampet 5313 131 5445 674 50 724 4639 81 4721 13 38 13 Safe Safe Safe

4 Bapatla 9429 0 9429 1089 0 1089 8340 0 8340 12 NA 12 Safe NA Safe

5 Bellamkonda 3856 450 4306 208 87 295 3648 363 4011 5 19 7 Safe Safe Safe

6 Bhattiprolu 4954 0 4954 1304 0 1304 3650 0 3650 26 NA 26 Safe NA Safe

7 Bollapalli 1336 2423 3759 80 3070 3150 1256 -648 609 6 127 84 Safe OE SC

8 Chebrolu 6686 0 6686 531 0 531 6155 0 6155 8 NA 8 Safe NA Safe

9 Cherukupally 4030 0 4030 1091 0 1091 2939 0 2939 27 NA 27 Safe NA Safe

10 Chilakaluripet 5760 0 5760 629 0 629 5131 0 5131 11 NA 11 Safe NA Safe

11 Dachapalli 10725 0 10725 1093 2 1096 9632 -2 9630 10 NA 10 Safe NA Safe

12 Duggirala 4743 0 4743 1178 0 1178 3565 0 3565 25 NA 25 Safe NA Safe

13 Durgi 1349 2452 3801 222 1070 1292 1126 1382 2509 16 44 34 Safe Safe Safe

14 Edlapadu 6007 0 6007 329 0 329 5678 0 5678 5 NA 5 Safe NA Safe

15 Guntur 6305 0 6305 230 0 230 6075 0 6075 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

16 Gurajala 12945 0 12945 627 0 628 12318 0 12318 5 NA 5 Safe NA Safe

17 Ipuru 4521 151 4672 569 59 628 3952 92 4044 13 39 13 Safe Safe Safe

18 Kakumanu 7087 0 7087 20 0 20 7067 0 7067 0 NA 0 Safe NA Safe

19 Karampudi 7748 644 8392 1307 270 1577 6441 373 6815 17 42 19 Safe Safe Safe

20 Karlapalem 3690 0 3690 162 0 162 3529 0 3529 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

21 Kollipara 4120 0 4120 1364 0 1364 2756 0 2756 33 NA 33 Safe NA Safe

22 Kollur 6156 0 6156 1685 0 1685 4471 0 4471 27 NA 27 Safe NA Safe

23 Krosuru 9689 0 9689 895 1 896 8795 -1 8793 9 NA 9 Safe NA Safe

24 Machavaram 3995 0 3995 720 0 720 3276 0 3276 18 NA 18 Safe NA Safe

25 Macherla 2870 1774 4644 242 320 562 2628 1454 4082 8 18 12 Safe Safe Safe

26 Mangalagiri 6869 0 6869 319 0 319 6550 0 6550 5 NA 5 Safe NA Safe

27 Medikonduru 3969 0 3969 151 0 151 3818 0 3818 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

28 Muppalla 6043 0 6043 174 0 174 5869 0 5869 3 NA 3 Safe NA Safe

29 Nadendla 7080 0 7080 181 0 181 6899 0 6899 3 NA 3 Safe NA Safe

30 Nagaram 8323 0 8323 519 0 519 7804 0 7804 6 NA 6 Safe NA Safe

31 Nakerikallu 6749 0 6749 977 0 977 5772 0 5772 14 NA 14 Safe NA Safe

32 Narasaraopet 8022 0 8022 429 0 429 7592 0 7592 5 NA 5 Safe NA Safe

33 Nizampatn 6955 0 6955 107 0 107 6848 0 6848 2 NA 2 Safe NA Safe

34 Nujendla 18455 0 18455 340 0 340 18116 0 18115 2 NA 2 Safe NA Safe

35 Pedakakani 7886 0 7886 33 0 33 7853 0 7853 0 NA 0 Safe NA Safe

36 Pedakurapadu 5600 0 5600 228 0 228 5372 0 5372 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

37 Pedanandipadu 6154 0 6154 46 0 46 6108 0 6108 1 NA 1 Safe NA Safe

38 Phyrangipuram 8661 1 8662 226 0 226 8435 1 8436 3 0 3 Safe Safe Safe

39 Piduguralla 5446 149 5595 763 0 763 4684 149 4832 14 0 14 Safe Safe Safe

40 Ponnur 11176 0 11176 1421 0 1421 9755 0 9755 13 NA 13 Safe NA Safe

36
 41 Prathipadu 3361 0 3361 143 0 143 3218 0 3218 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

42 PV palem 3052 0 3052 224 0 224 2828 0 2828 7 NA 7 Safe NA Safe

43 Rajupalem 4230 0 4230 826 1 827 3404 -1 3404 20 NA 20 Safe NA Safe

44 Rentachintala 6322 77 6399 146 100 246 6175 -23 6153 2 130 4 Safe OE Safe

45 Repalle 9546 0 9546 355 0 355 9192 0 9192 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

46 Rompicherla 6844 0 6844 305 0 305 6539 0 6539 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

47 Sattenapalli 10561 0 10561 242 0 242 10319 0 10319 2 NA 2 Safe NA Safe

48 Savalyapuram 4760 0 4760 171 0 171 4589 0 4589 4 NA 4 Safe NA Safe

49 Tadepalli 3714 0 3714 306 0 306 3408 0 3408 8 NA 8 Safe NA Safe

50 Tadikonda 3627 0 3627 411 0 411 3216 0 3216 11 NA 11 Safe NA Safe

51 Tenali 6731 0 6731 695 0 695 6036 0 6036 10 NA 10 Safe NA Safe

52 Thulluru 3129 0 3129 1065 0 1065 2064 0 2063 34 NA 34 Safe NA Safe

53 Tsundur 6583 0 6583 729 0 729 5854 0 5854 11 NA 11 Safe NA Safe

54 Vatticherukuru 4247 0 4247 20 0 20 4226 0 4227 0 NA 0 Safe NA Safe

55 Veldurthi 0 2425 2425 0 1079 1079 0 1346 1346 NA 44 44 NA Safe Safe

56 Vemur 5049 0 5049 674 0 674 4375 0 4375 13 NA 13 Safe NA Safe

57 Vinukonda 9402 52 9454 690 9 698 8713 43 8756 7 17 7 Safe Safe Safe

Grand Total 352660 10729 363388 30421 6120 36542 322238 4609 326847 9 57 10 Safe Safe Safe

Note: OE = Over exploited; SC = Semi critical;C=Critical; C = Command; NC = Non command; NA = Not applicable

37
irrigation, especially by the Nagarjunasagar Right Canal Command Area (NSRCCA),
Krishna Western Delta (KWD) canal system and the Guntur Channel Scheme in these
areas. In the tail end areas of the canal system, upland areas, flood plain,
palaeo/buried channel areas, the ground water is being tapped both for domestic and
irrigation purposes. These areas include Veldurti, Bollapalli, Chilakaluripeta, Krosur,
Atchampet, Amaravati, Tadepalli, Mangalagiri, Thallur, Tadikonda, Dugirala,
Kollipara, Kollur, Bhattiprolu, Tenali, Vemuru, Amarthalur, Tsundur and Ponnur
mandals, where the ground water is developed through open wells, energized dug,
dug-cum-bore wells, shallow tube wells and filter-point wells On the basis of the
hydrogeological and other related information, the net annual recharge for the entire
district is estimated as 3633.88 MCM/year and the net annual ground water draft in
the district is worked to be as 365.42 MCM/year. Thus the ground water balance for
future utilization is 3268.47 MCM/year based on the balance potential available for
future development.

3.2.2 Stage of Development

In order to check over-exploitation of ground water and to utilize the available

resource in a planed way, the Ground Water Estimation Committee (GEC) 1997
has introduced certain norms so as to classify the areas as White, Grey and Dark
categories. The blocks or mandals, where the stage of ground water development,
in a period of five years, is below 65%, the area is categorized as ‘White’ or safe;
those falling in the range of 65 to 85% as Semi critical and those 85%-100%
‘Critical’ and above 100% over exploited . The present stage of ground water
development in the district is 10% with a net draft of 365.42 MCM out of the
Ground water resource of 3633.88 MCM/year. Taking the annual growth rate as
2%, the stage of ground water development after five years is projected as 14%
which comes under safe or ‘White’ category for further ground water
development. Similar computations were made to assess the ground water
potential and development prospects for each mandal and tabulated in Table and
are shown in Plate. A perusal of the table highlight that Bollapalli mandal as Semi
critical, with the present stage of development at 84%.

It is seen from the Table that the stage of ground water development is around
10% as most of the mandals are covered under surface water irrigation. The water
levels in most of these areas are shallow, i.e.., within 5.0 m bgl, with the

38
prevalence of water logged and near water logged conditions. In such areas,
ground water development through conjunctive use of surface and ground waters
would mitigate not only water logging conditions but also improve the quality of
ground water.

However, when resource is calculated at the village level it seen that about 46
villages are falling under semi-critical/critical/over exploited category. These
villages are listed in table- along with the level of development. It is seen that 13
villages are under semi-critical stage where as 8 villages are under critical stage
and the rest 25 are under over exploited stage of development (Table 4).

39
Table:4

Mandal-wise villages falling under Semi-critical/Critical/Over Exploited

Categories in Guntur district.

S.No/Category Mandal Village/Habitation Level of Ground

water
Development
(%)
N NC
Semi Critical
1. Amaravathi Karlapudi/Amaravathi 75 0
2. Atchmpet Madinpadu Agrap 0 67
3. Bellomkonda Venkatayapallem 0 79
4. Ipuru Angaluru 65 0
5. Kollipara Bommuvaripalem 65 0
6. Kollipara Thumuluru 67 0
7. Macherla Macherla 0 66
8. Mangalagiri Krishnyapalem 85 0
9. Thulluru Ananthavaram 75 0
10. Thulluru Nekkallu 71 0
11. Thulluru Lingayapalem 77 0
12. Thulluru Uddandarayunipadu 74 0
13. Veldurthi Pathlaveedu 0 68
Critical
1. Amravathi Amravathi/Jupudi 94 0
2. Atchampet Tallachervu 98 0
3. Atchmpet Challagaria 0 93
4. Durgi Polepalli/Durgi 0 98
5. Tadikonda Mothadaka/Tado 98 0
6. Tadikonda Nidumukkala 94 0
7. Veldurthi Veldurthi 0 88
8. Veldurthi Veldurthi 0 99
Over Exploitation
1. Bellamkonda Kethavaram 0 218
2. Bhattiprolu Peesaralanka 183 0
S.No/Category Mandal Village/Habitation Level of Ground
water
Development
(%)
N NC
3. Bollapalli Bollapalli/Gandig 0 381
4. Bollapalli Ravulapalem 0 130
5. Bollapalli Gutlapalli 0 306
6. Bollapalli Bollapalli 0 313
7. Bollapalli Ayyannapalem 0 150
8. Bollapalli Mellavagu 0 618
9. Bollapalli Gummanampadu 0 140
10. Bollapalli Remidicherla 0 163
11. Bollapalli Garkapadu 0 243
12. Durgi Darmavaram 0 283
13. Durgi Poleypally 0 187
14. Ipuru Agnigundala 0 182
15. Karampudi Naramalapadu 0 342
16. Krosuru Krosur/Peesapadu 158 0
17. Macherla Koppunur 0 108
18. Nakerikallu Chejerla/Nagarik 123 0
19. Nakerikallu Narsingapadu 135 0
20. Nakerikallu Tripurapuram 107 0
21. Rajupalem Kubadpuram 163 0
22. Rentachintala Dugi/Darivemula 0 123
23. Tadepalli Tadepalli 151 0
24. Thulluru Vaddamanu/Thulluru 134 0
25. Veldurthi Uppalapadu 0 199

41
3.3 Ground Water Quality

The ground water in the district is generally fresh and potable. The ground
water temperature generally varies from 22°C to 28°C. The suitability of ground
water largely varies from area to area both for domestic and irrigation purposes.
In most of the areas, the ground water is devoid of carbonate. The range of
different chemical constituents in ground water of the district is given in table-5.

Table-5: RANGE OF CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN GROUND WATER

S.No. Chemical Constituent Min. Max. General

Range
7.5-8.5
1 pH 7.67 8.53
*(9.2)
400-3500
2 E.C μ at 25oC 480 5920
(1500 mg/l)
100-400
3 Total Hardness 150 1220
(600 mg/l)
10-80
4 Calcium (mg/l) 36 240
(200 mg/l)
15-100
5 Magnesium (mg/l) 12 185
(100 mg/l)
20-500
6 Sodium (mg/l) 106 783
1-45
7 Potassium (mg/l) 1.1 935

8 Carbonate (mg/l) 0 30 Nil

100-475
9 Bicarbonate (mg/l) 201 860

10 Chloride (mg/l) 43 1368 25-500

(1000 mg/l)
11 Sulphate (mg/l) 9.6 480 15-200
(400 mg/l)
12 Nitrates (mg/l) 1.86 379 20-180
(100 mg/l)
13 Fluoride 0.26 2.28 <0.5
(1.5 mg/l)

*Maximum permissible Level (mg/l)

3.3.1 Quality of Water In Shallow Aquifers:

In the district, the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) varies from 7.67 to 8.53,
indicating the alkaline nature of ground water. Calcium together with magnesium

42
and carbonates impart the property of hardness to water. The concentration of
calcium and magnesium in ground water is with in the permissible limits for
domestic use. The sodium concentration is important in classifying the irrigation
water and in the district, its concentration when examined in the form of Sodium
Adsorption Ratio (SAR), most of the areas cover under irrigation water class fall
under medium to high Sodium Hazard category ie most of the irrigation water fall
between C3-S1 and C4-S3 class (Fig.-17) with Sodium Adsorption Ratio of less
than 25%, as per the irrigation water classification of Wilcox (1946) and Richards
(1954) (Fig.18).

In most areas of the district, carbonate is found to be absent in ground water.

The general concentration of bicarbonate varies from 200 to 400 ppm. Total
hardness expressed as calcium carbonate generally ranges from 215 to 300 ppm
and is within the desirable limit of Indian Standards Specifications (1991) for
drinking water and laundry purposes

Figure-17. Classification of Ground Water for Irrigation purposes by US-

Salinity diagram

43
 Figure-18
CLASSIFICATION OF GROUND WATER OF GUNTUR
DISTRICT FOR IRRIGATION AS PER WILCOX DIAGRAM

4 WATER SAMPLES ARE BEYOND UNSUITABLE RANGE

3.3.1.1 Chloride in Ground Water:

Depending upon the concentration of chloride in ground water it is classified

under drinking water class as fresh when the concentration is low and as brackish
and saline when its concentration is very high. These classifications are depicted
in Fig.-19. Accordingly, the alluvial areas south of Guntur and the deltaic areas
in the district are brackish. In spite of its brackish nature, ground water with
chloride content of 500 to 1000 ppm is found to be potable. The rest of the areas
western and north western part of the district the ground water generally fall under
the potable to fresh water class with the chloride content with in 500 ppm.

44
Fig 19
3.3.1.2 Fluoride Distribution:

The Indian Standards Specification (1991) classified the permissible limit of

fluoride in water as 1.50 ppm. Except in certain areas in the district, the
distribution of fluoride is within the permissible limits of 1.50 ppm. Map showing
the distribution of the fluoride in ground water is presented as Fig.-20. In
Vinukonda & Krosuru mandals fluoride concentration is a little above the
permissible limits of 1.5 to 2.28 ppm.

3.3.1.3 Sulphate Distribution:

As per the drinking water standards of ISS (1991), the desirable limit sulphate in
ground water is 200 ppm and permissible limit is 400 ppm (but in the latter limit,
the magnesium should not exceed 30 ppm). Areas along the coast and in areas
underlain by deltaic alluvium, and areas around Rentachinthala and Gurajala,
contain sulphate concentration of 200 to 350 ppm. The sulphate distribution in
other parts of the district is within the desirable limits of drinking water standards.

3.3.1.4 Nitrate Distribution:

Based on the drinking water standards, the distribution of Nitrate in ground

water in the district is presented as Fig.-21. Nitrate concentration in the areas
around Mangalagiri, Moolpur, Nizampatnam, Prathipadu, Vinukonda, Pasipadu,
Krosur, Uttukuru, Amaravathi, Pirangipuram, Gurajala, Rentachintala and Guntur
is more than the permissible limits of 110 ppm, and far exceeding the limits
prescribed by various public health authorities, the results of which can be
detrimental to public health. In general, the distribution of nitrate concentration in
the district is above the desirable limits of 45 ppm. The high concentration of
nitrates in the district can be due to the application of nitrate fertilizers, dumping
of sewage and agricultural waste concentration of nitrate plumes, septic system
etc.
Fig 20
Fig 21

49
Specific Electrical Conductance:

The Specific Electrical Conductance (EC) of ground water in the district varies
widely from less than 480 to more than 5000 micro Siemens/cm at 25°C. Specific
conductance is a measure of dissolved solids in water. Based on the irrigation
water class standards (Wilcox, 1955), a map showing the distribution of Electrical
Conductance in ground water is prepared and presented as Fig.-22. The study
reveals that the entire district barring Northern, central and south eastern part
show specific conductance greater than the permissible limit of 2000 micro
Siemens/cm. This may be because of the brackish to saline nature with high TDS
(total dissolved solids) concentration in the shallow aquifers in these areas.

Ground Water Quality in Deeper Aquifers:

The hydrochemical analysis data of water samples collected by Central Ground

Water Board during the deep exploratory drilling upto maximum depths of 600m
in the Krishna Western Delta alluvial areas of the district indicates, the water to be
alkaline with pH ranging from 7.45 to 8.05. The specific conductance (EC) vary
from 4218 to 32,610 micro-Siemens/cm, but for the well at Musalipadu which has
recorded Electrical Conductance of 2202 micro-Siemens/cm, (i.e., close to the
permissible limit). The chloride values range from 100 to 2358 ppm. The
abnormal values of electrical Conductance and high concentration of chloride
indicate that the ground water from deeper aquifers is unsuitable both for domestic
ad irrigation purposes.

The chemical analysis of water samples collected during zone tests from some
of the boreholes drilled in Upper Gondwana sandstones by Central Ground Water
Board indicated that the water is fresh and potable with pH of 8.10 to 8.14,
Electrical Conductance of 886 to 1406 micro Siemens/cm, chloride of 90.4 to
339.5 ppm, fluoride values of 1.15 to 1.30 ppm and total hardness of 43 to 290
ppm.
Figure-22

Figure-22
Status of Ground Water Development

An abstract of the ground water structures existing in the Guntur district is given
in Table 6.

Table-6: Formation wise details of different Ground Water Abstraction

Structures and their yields in the district.
Formation Rock/Aquifer Type of Well Depth Yield range Lifting device
range
1 Archaean Granite Dug wells 12-20 m 10-80 m3/day Centrifugal
Group of Gneisses, (200 m3 /day) pumps
rocks Schists Borewells 30-40 m 1.5 to 5 lps Submersible
Charnokites Pump
2 Cuddapah phyllites, Dug wells 3-25 m 20-80 m3/day Centrifugal
Formation Quartzites, pumps
limestones Borewells 30-60 m 0.5 –1.5 lps Submersible
Pump
3 Kurnool Shales, Dug wells 4-15 m 10 -70 m3/day Centrifugal
Formations Limestone pumps
Quartzites Borewells 25-55 m 0.5-1.5 lps Submersible
Pump
4 Gondwana Sandstones Dug wells 5.5-18.5 m 12-90 m3/day Centrifugal
Group of Shales pumps
Formations Tube wells 40-75m 28-1300 lpm Submersible
Pump
5 Alluvium Sand, Dug wells 2-12 m 200-320m3/day Centrifugal
silt, pumps
Kankar , Clay Shallow Tube 10-27 m 25-75 m3/hr Centrifugal
wells, filter pumps &
points Submersible
Pump

Most of the Guntur district is traversed by good network of irrigation canals of

the Nagarjunasagar Right Bank Canal Command Area (NSRCCA), Krishna Western
Delta (KWD) Canal System and Guntur Channels Scheme. Only the up land areas of
the district are not covered in any of the irrigation scheme. About 77.61% of the total
irrigated area in the district is through canal network and 2.94% through lift irrigation.
15.72% area is irrigated through Tubewells and filter points and the rest 3.72% area is
irrigated through Tanks and other sources. The area irrigated under different sources
in the district is given in Table-7 and the Mandal wise and source wise details of
irrigated area is given in Table-8. Wells and filter points irrigate 7.98% and the rest of
the area accounts for 3.72 % is irrigated by tanks and other sources. Source wise area
irrigated is depicted in pie diagram in Fig.23.
Table-7

Area Irrigated By Different Source during 2002-03

(In Hactares)
S.No. Source of Irrigation Khariff Rabi Total (Gross)
1 Canals 203466 1021 2,04,487
2 Tanks 2287 116 2,403
3 Bore Wells/Tube Wells 41339 8795 50,134
Filter-Point wells
4 Dug Wells & Other 5808 1403 7,211
sources

TABLE-8 MANDAL-WISE, SOURCE-WISE AREA IRRIGATED

2002-03
(Area in Hect.)
S.No. Mandal Net Area Irrigated By Area
Canals Tanks Tubewells Other Lift Other Total Irrigated
and filter wells irrigati sources More than
points on once

1 MACHERLA 2437 45 3074 168 148 0 5872 522

2 RENTACHINTALA 3898 0 251 2 0 0 4151 20
3 GURAZALA 4637 0 0 0 0 0 4637 64
4 DACHEPALLI 2639 0 818 45 342 0 3844 73
5 MACHAVARAM 137 85 189 0 6 219 636 17
6 BELLAMKONDA 258 0 326 147 138 40 909 32
7 ATCHEMPET 303 84 0 128 58 0 573 0
8 KROSURU 120 246 0 44 184 0 594 0
9 AMARAVATHI 3 63 0 463 215 106 850 0
10 THULLUR 40 55 3209 0 973 51 4328 296
11 TADEPALLI 140 0 1468 141 944 0 2693 1292
12 MANGALAGIRI 2161 0 1962 187 1600 0 5910 1556
13 TADIKONDA 118 0 182 0 0 0 300 144
14 PEDAKURAPADU 577 0 0 855 0 0 1432 0
15 SATTENAPALLI 3363 0 1 1004 200 0 4568 0
16 RAJUPALEM 1646 89 16 230 51 0 2032 36
17 PIDUGURALLA 3987 50 0 0 0 0 4037 0
18 KAREMPUDI 2983 0 701 0 0 0 3684 296
19 DURGI 333 20 6946 0 0 0 7299 1193
20 VELDURTHY 0 0 4963 0 0 0 4963 73
21 BOLLAPLLI 0 40 3549 211 0 60 3860 0
22 NAKARIKALLU 3888 220 505 279 0 0 4892 221
23 MUPPALLA 2075 32 0 96 27 0 2230 0
24 PHIRANGIPURAM 1919 0 72 11 0 0 2002 0
25 MEDIKONDUR 2685 0 2 89 0 17 2793 0
26 GUNTUR 459 0 103 43 0 0 605 0
27 PEDAKAKANI 5633 37 121 51 168 8 6018 127
28 DUGGIRALA 7713 0 2840 0 0 0 10553 834
29 KOLLIPARA 6269 0 2531 0 0 0 8800 882

54
30 KOLLURU 5034 0 2893 0 36 0 7963 656
31 VEMURU 8430 0 274 0 8 0 8712 417
32 TENALI 8634 0 972 0 0 0 9606 273
33 TSUNDUR 8270 0 779 0 0 0 9049 79
34 CHEBROLU 6472 0 13 302 281 0 7068 340
35 VATTICHERUKUR 6085 0 0 0 0 0 6085 0
36 PRATHIPADU 509 0 35 4 0 0 548 0
37 EDLAPADU 45 0 0 3 0 0 48 0
38 NADENDLA 293 0 0 309 251 0 853 0
39 NARASARAOPET 2515 40 0 64 177 0 2796 65
40 ROMPICHERLA 3435 102 0 149 0 295 3981 66
41 IPUR 412 428 89 231 10 145 1315 21
42 SAVALYAPURAM 229 119 18 39 135 36 576 0
43 VINUKONDA 0 408 25 182 422 0 1037 0
44 NUZENDLA 0 171 33 163 184 0 551 0
45 CHILAKALURIPET 0 0 0 78 0 252 330 0
PEDANANDIPAD
46 U 98 0 0 0 20 0 118 0
47 KAKUMANU 9915 0 0 0 0 0 9915 0
48 PONNUR 13143 0 885 0 85 0 14113 294
49 AMRTHALUR 10433 0 284 0 0 0 10717 22
50 CHERUKUPALLI 6649 0 13 151 0 0 6813 123
51 BHATTIPROLU 6224 0 1255 0 0 0 7479 116
52 REPALLE 9734 0 26 0 0 0 9760 43
53 NAGARAM 9926 0 74 0 308 0 10308 75
54 NIZAMPATNAM 4028 0 1 0 555 0 4584 12
55 P.V.PALEM 4641 0 0 32 0 0 4673 3
56 KARLAPALEM 5430 0 0 76 235 0 5741 93
57 BAPATLA 13840 0 0 288 0 0 14128 152

20484 26393
Total 5 2334 41498 6265 7761 1229 2 10528

55
Figure-23

Percentage Of Area Irrigated Under different Sources

0.47
2.94
2.37

15.72

Canals
0.88 Tanks
Tubewells and filter points
Other wells
Lift irrigation
Other sources

77.61

From the Irrigation pattern, in the last 10 years, it is seen that (Fig 24) there
has been a steady increase in area being brought under irrigation. However, since
1999 till 2002 the area under irrigation in the district remained same but during the
year 2001-02 & 2002-03 the area irrigated has fallen drastically i.e. by 1,24,512 ha.
amounting to 32% as compared to the year 2001-02. This is attributed to the failure in
rains in the district over two successive previous years. This can be seen in the Fig-25
& 26, wherein the surface sources for irrigation i.e. in Canals and Tanks are seems to
have fallen drastically. Due to the shortage of surface water for irrigation in Canals
and Tanks has forced the farmers to look for alternate sources for irrigation. As a
result of this, more and more areas was brought under ground water irrigation through
Tube wells/Bore wells/filter points and Dug wells. (Fig 27 & 28 ) Indicate that there
has been a steady increase the area being irrigated by tube wells/bore well/filter points

and dug wells over the same period.

56
Figure-24

Gross Area Irrigated By All Sources Together

Gross Area Irrigated
450000
400607 396919
400000
374443 388443
350000
378837
344192
Area (Hectares)

300000
250000
263931
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
92-93 97-98 98-99 99-2K 2K-'01 01-02 02-03
Years

Figure-25

Area Irrigated by Canals Over the Years

332295 323443
350000
314462
300000
303463 311006 305467
Area (Hectares)

250000
200000
204844 Canals
150000
100000
50000
0
92-93 97-98 98-99 99-2K 2K-'01 01-02 02-03
Years

57
Figure-26

Area Under Tank Irrigation

8000
7000
5868 6719
6000
Area (Hectares)

5821
5000 5371
5203
4000 Tanks
4397
3000
2000
2335
1000
0
92-93 97-98 98-99 99-2K 2K-'01 01-02 02-03
Years

Figure-27

Area Irrigated by Tube wells and filter points

Tube wells and filter points
50000
46093 44936 44176
45000
40000
40608 41498
Area (Hectares)

35000
37995
30000
25000
20000 21421
15000
10000
5000
0
92-93 97-98 98-99 99-2K 2K-'01 01-02 02-03
Years

58
Figure-28

Area Irrigated throught Dug wells

Dug wells
6400
6322
6266
6200
6072
Area (Hectares)

6000
5957
5851
5800
5666
5600 5583

5400

5200
92-93 97-98 98-99 99-2K 2K-'01 01-02 02-03
Years

The major KWD system and the medium Guntur channel Schems were
constructed to irrigate two lakh hecares of land in the district. And also the Nagarjun
Sagar Canal Command area (NSRCCA) of Nagarjunasagar Project is designed to
irrigate 4.75 lakh hectares in the Guntur and Prakasam districts under its right canal of
444 km. The Right Main Canal, also known as “Jawahar Canal” is a contour canal
designed to carry the maximum head discharge of 311.5 cu.m/sec. The entire
Nagarjunasagar Canal Command Area is divided into 22 blocks. Leaving the small
blocks from 1 to 3 where it is all wet, the Nagarjunsagar Canal Command Area was
localized for wet crops in one-third area and for irrigating dry (ID) crops in two-thirds
area, so that water could be provided to the maximum area. The share of
Nagarjunsagar Canal Command Area water for the Guntur district is about 57%,
covering from block 1 to the upper reaches of 15th block, with a registered ayacut of
2.72 lakh hectares. The irrigation details of Major, medium and Minor irrigation
schemes for the district are furnished in Table-1

59
4.0 Ground Water Management Strategy
The timely supplies of required inputs result in targeted production and
productivity. The existing water distribution system in the canal command areas of
the district includes integrated and conjunctive use, warabandi system of irrigation,
diversion and lift irrigation schemes and localized system of irrigation, all these
schemes are intended to take water to the tail end and needy areas of the canal
commands. But these water management practices are being vaguely or poorly
followed in the district. In addition to these practices, the surface and ground water
resources in the district can be effectively used, taking the following aspects into
consideration.

(i) Surface water may be used over extensive areas with reduced number
of watering. Ground water may be supplemented in conjunction with
surface water for intensive irrigation to the extent possible.
(ii) Ground water may be used as a stopgap against the insufficient surface
water supplies.
(iii) To rejuvenate most of the wells abandoned after the release of canal
water.
(iv) To release canal water only for single crop and make the farmers
depend on ground water for second crop.
(v) In order to utilize saline ground water, canal water may be blended
with saline water in a suitable proportion to meet the crop water
requirements and protecting the soils.
(vi) Proper lining of the canals to reduce the seepage losses.
(vii) Provision of efficient surface and sub-surface drainage.
(viii) Pumping out excess water in the water logged areas to control rising
water levels and to facilitate drainage to augment canal supplies during
the period of shortages of surface water.
(ix) To educate farmers in the economical and conjunctive use of ground
water and canal water supplies. Financial help may be provided
wherever needed to the farmers.

60
4.1 Ground Water Development

Guntur has a privilege of having vast network of canals through two major and
one medium irrigation projects because of which the district has both surface and
ground water resources in abundance. In fact about 19.5% of the district receives
surface water, which meets 82.71% of irrigation needs of the district. To make use
of the ground water as a sustainable resource the approach to develop this valuable
resource needs scientific and judicious management system through proper
planning and design of wells of the area. The optimum design of wells depends
on the local hydrogeological conditions, cropping pattern and also the quantum of
water to be discharged. In the district dug wells and dug-cum-bore wells of
dimensions 3.0 to 6.0m dia and depth of 10-18m are feasible in the granite and
related rocks like. The unit cost of construction of a dug well will range between
Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 44,500/- depending upon the depth to which it is constructed.
And the unit cost of dug-cum-bore wells will cost between Rs. 31,000 to Rs.
39,400/-. In limestone, sandstone, alluvium and shaley formations. These wells
need masonry lining in the case of crystalline rocks or R.C.C. rings with weep
holes in alluvial, weathered (loose) material as a preventive measure against
caving or collapsing. The dug-cum-bore wells are feasible in granites, limestones,
phyllites, sandstones and shales depending on the availability of fractures and
weathered zones in the well. 100mm. bores down to 30m from the bottom of the
dug well portion of the wells are recommended. The unit cost of construction of
dug wells in limestone will cost around Rs.17,300 to Rs.32,500 depending on the
diameter of the borehole. The DCB in limestones will cost around Rs.23,300/-.

Bore wells down to 100 to 150m. depth are feasible in crystallines, shale,
limestone and quartzite formations with 15 to 20m depth casing against weathered
mantle to prevent caving or collapsing in the hard rock areas of the district. The
unit cost of construction of bore wells in crystalline is around Rs.12,500 to
Rs.20,600will be around for bore well of 150 mm dia with a depth range between
40 to 80 mt. Tube wells of 254 mm & 380mm. diameter down to a depth of
about 100m to 120 m tapping 30 to 40m saturated aquifer material in sandstone
formations are feasible whereas in alluvial areas where the thickness of saturated

61
 zone exceeds 5m filter point wells of 254mm. diameter down to a depth of 15 to
20 m depth are feasible.

In the case of irrigation wells the spacing norm between 2 wells in an area is not
properly adhered to as a result it would lead to mutual interference between two
adjacent wells. Liberal institutional financing has accelerated the growth of
ground water development and accordingly the spacing norms have been
mandatory by Government of India in the institutional financing, so that wells are
economically viable. Based on the pumping tests a well for a 6 to 12 hrs. duration
of pumping, the transmissivity, storativity and radius of influence estimated from
the pumping tests, the spacing should be such that the pumpage works out to be
economically and in turn does not interfere with other near by irrigation pumping
well. Required spacing between two wells is given in Table 9.
Table-9: Spacing to be maintained between any two wells
(in m)
Dug wells Filter point and Tube wells or
shallow tube Bore wells
wells
Non-ayacut area: 50 - 140 250 300-500
Ayacut area 30-90 100 200-300
Near perennial source like 30-90 100 200-300
river or bank within 200
mtrs.
Non-perennial streams 0-150 160 300-500
within 100m

In the coastal areas caution also should be exercised to avoid construction of

wells within in 1 km. from coastline to prevent ingression of seawater. Because
the zones adjacent to the coast extending 200 – 500m. from the shore line towards
land ward is found to be extremely sensitive to the fluctuations of the water table
and needs judicious ground water withdrawal. As per the norms prescribed in the
National Water Policy of India (1987) ground water development in the coastal
zone has to be done cautiously taking spacing norms into account especially
during summer months. This may be accomplished by the use of low capacity
pumping to prevent the possibility of salt-water intrusion into fresh water zones of
the area from sea front.

62
 4.1.1 Drinking water supply schemes:
Ground water forms the main source for drinking water supply schemes in non
ayacut areas of the district. The protected water supply schemes are maintained
by Rural Water Supply department under Panchayat Raj Department of
Government of Andhra Pradesh. These schemes include river lift, surface flowlift
schemes. Bore wells, large diameter dug wells, dug-cum-bore wells and hand
pump fitted shallow bore wells.
There are a total of 512 protected water supply schemes and 4868 bore wells,
1540 open wells and 182 other wells for drinking water supply. The mandal wise
details of water supply status are given in table-10.
Around 166 villages are having fluoride problem in ground water and about 3
villages are having brackish ground water. There are in total 68 problematic
villages so far as drinking water is concerned in 9 mandals. During 2003-04 state
government has spend Rs. 41.43 crores for providing drinking water to these 68
villages. The mandal wise details are given in table-11.
Table-10
MANDAL WISE STATUS OF DRINKING WATER FACILITIES IN GUNTUR DISTRICT
S.No. Mandal Total Villages having adequate Problematic
inhabited drinking water facility villages
villages (No.)
(No.) P.W.S Bore Open Others Fluoride Brackish
Wells Wells villages water

1 MACHERLA 11 4 10 7
2 RENTACHINTALA 9 4 5 9 9
3 GURAZALA 18 1 10 4 3
4 DACHEPALLI 25 20 34 28 7
5 MACHAVARAM 18 10 8 10
6 BELLAMKONDA 13 7 6 13
7 ATCHEMPET 30 1 15 1 13
8 KROSURU 15 1 10 4
9 AMARAVATHI 24 18 6
10 THULLUR 19 19
11 TADEPALLI 12 9 3 1
12 MANGALAGIRI 14 7 9
13 TADIKONDA 15 4 15 3 1
14 PEDAKURAPADU 20 9 163 56
15 SATTENAPALLI 31 12 249 147 1
16 RAJUPALEM 21
17 PIDUGURALLA 19 10 477
18 KAREMPUDI 20 10 10
19 DURGI 24 1 7 8 8

63
S.No. Mandal Total Villages having adequate Problematic
inhabited drinking water facility villages
villages (No.)
(No.) P.W.S Bore Open Others Fluoride Brackish
Wells Wells villages water

20 VELDURTHY 32 1 25 1 5
21 BOLLAPLLI 59 12 47 10 32
22 NAKARIKALLU 19 11 315 102 13 1
23 MUPPALLA 16 6 115 90
24 PHIRANGIPURAM 14 8 6
25 MEDIKONDUR 19 14 14 17 1
26 GUNTUR 35 15 354 56 8 8 2
27 PEDAKAKANI 10 1 6 2 1
28 DUGGIRALA 22 1
29 KOLLIPARA 34 1 13 6 14
30 KOLLURU 35 15 20
31 VEMURU 17 10 7
32 TENALI 12 1 10 1
33 TSUNDUR 18 5 13
34 CHEBROLU 22 1 11 10
35 VATTICHERUKUR 17 1 10 4 2
36 PRATHIPADU 24 12 100 15 19
37 EDLAPADU 24 9 129 20
38 NADENDLA 10 7 10 10
39 NARASARAOPET 41 10 434 63 2
40 ROMPICHERLA 34 17 371 104
41 IPUR 36 1 25 10
42 SAVALYAPURAM 24 8 247 6 11
43 VINUKONDA 42 13 679 65 26
44 NUZENDLA 53 9 342 24 53
45 CHILAKALURIPET 14 4 9 2 2
46 PEDANANDIPADU 19 17 6 2
47 KAKUMANU 27 18 9
48 PONNUR 31 14 205 195
49 AMRTHALUR 13 10 3 5 15
50 CHERUKUPALLI 61 1 30 10 10 10
51 BHATTIPROLU 35 20 85 26
52 REPALLE 78 10 28 20
53 NAGARAM 115 31 67 17
54 NIZAMPATNAM 115 31 67 17
55 P.V.PALEM 27 7 54 78
56 KARLAPALEM 51 9 96 157
57 BAPATLA 51 14 19 14 4

Total 1664 512 4868 1540 182 166 3

64
 Table 11
MANDAL WISE DRINKING WATER PROBLEMATIC VILLAGES
S.No. Mandal Village Total Present source of Amount spent during
Population drinking water the year for supply of
of the drinking water
Village (Rs. In '000')

1 MACHERLA 6 78137 Hand Pump 2.12

2 RENTACHINTALA
3 GURAZALA
4 DACHEPALLI 4 Bores
5 MACHAVARAM 2 9869 Bore wells 3.75
6 BELLAMKONDA
7 ATCHEMPET Madipadu Agraharam 884 Well
8 KROSURU
9 AMARAVATHI Madepudi 3550 P.W.S 60000
9 AMARAVATHI Madepudi 1387 P.W.S 48000
10 THULLUR D.W. tank 20
11 TADEPALLI
12 MANGALAGIRI
13 TADIKONDA
14 PEDAKURAPADU 2 1520 Well
15 SATTENAPALLI 1 4404 Borewell
16 RAJUPALEM
17 PIDUGURALLA
18 KAREMPUDI
19 DURGI
20 VELDURTHY
21 BOLLAPLLI
22 NAKARIKALLU 6 12202 Borewells, Openwells
23 MUPPALLA
24 PHIRANGIPURAM
25 MEDIKONDUR
26 GUNTUR Jkonnalagadda 4693 Borewells 270595
26 GUNTUR Adavitakkellapadu 6772 Borewells 26800
27 PEDAKAKANI
28 DUGGIRALA Uppalagunta D.W. Tank
29 KOLLIPARA
30 KOLLURU
31 VEMURU
32 TENALI Halfpet 1700 Tank 8950
33 TSUNDUR
34 CHEBROLU
35 VATTICHERUKUR
36 PRATHIPADU
37 EDLAPADU
38 NADENDLA
39 NARASARAOPET
40 ROMPICHERLA

65
 S.No. Mandal Village Total Present source of Amount spent during
Population drinking water the year for supply of
of the drinking water
Village (Rs. In '000')
41 IPUR 36 43409 Borewells
42 SAVALYAPURAM
43 VINUKONDA
44 NUZENDLA
45 CHILAKALURIPET
46 PEDANANDIPADU
47 KAKUMANU
48 PONNUR
49 AMRTHALUR
50 CHERUKUPALLI
51 BHATTIPROLU
52 REPALLE
53 NAGARAM
54 NIZAMPATNAM
55 P.V.PALEM Komali 955 P.W.S
55 P.V.PALEM Sagupalem 1809 P.W.S
55 P.V.PALEM Koduru 1075 P.W.S
56 KARLAPALEM Nagarajupalem 525 S.S.Tank
57 BAPATLA

Total 68 172891 414370.87

3.4.2 Irrigation by ground water source:

Ground water is the most dependent source for the irrigation. The utilization of
ground water for agriculture is practiced by ground water abstraction structures such
as dug wells, dug-cum-bore wells and bore wells. The net area irrigated by ground
water in the district during the last 7 years is given below.
(In Ha.)
1997-98 1998-99 1999-2k 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
44317 46274 51676 50893 50027 47764 60562

Out of the total area irrigated 222671 ha ground water irrigation accounts for 27% in
the district.
3.4.3 Ground Water Management and Conservation:
Besides the proper development of ground water potential in the district, stress
should be laid on its management and conservation. As such, groundwater
augmentation through rain water harvesting can be explored. The Western and
Southwestern part of the district covering Veldurti, Durgi, and parts of Karempudi,
Nakarikallu, Ipur and Bollapalli mandals are feasible for rain water harvesting.

66
These, areas fall under non-command area and ground water is found to be at deeper
levels. In these areas the excess rainfall run off should be brought in to use to augment
ground water recharge. The type of structures feasible in the area are contour trenches,
rock fill dams, check dams and conversion of tanks in to percolation tanks.

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The tail-end areas of canals and upland areas in the district are facing chronic
water shortage problems, where the phyllites or granite gneisses form the
principal aquifers. The thick weathered mantle and deeply weathered and
fractured zones occurring along certain lineaments, its intersections and buried
pediments, may be tapped through proper ground water structures to draw
copious supplies of ground water in these areas.

2. Conjunctive use of surface water and ground water should be followed not only
to meet the requirements of tail-end areas but also to reduce the water logging
and salinity problems. The exploratory drilling programmes in the selected
places of canal commands will enlighten the conjunctive utilization of surface
and ground water. In these areas ground water loss will reduce the water
logging conditions and more areas may be brought under agriculture.

3. The present status of over development of ground water 25 villages is more than
100% falling under over exploited category. 13 villages are falling under semi
critical category where as 8 villages are under critical category. In these villages
proper measures are to be taken to

· To stop further development of ground water.

· Surface water may be brought in to use in the area.

· Artificial recharge methods needed to be adopted for

augmentation of ground water.

· Farming of wet crops like paddy should be discouraged. And

farmers should be encouraged to cultivate more and more less
water requirement crops.

67
4. Proper measures have to be taken in the sitting and selecting the ground water
abstraction structures, in the implementation of water management practices
and to check the aerial distribution of salinity. The ground water development
in the district can be taken up as per the perspective plan described in the
report.

5. Studies are to be taken up to check the recurrence of fluorosis, especially in

the Vinukonda, Krosuru areas, and remedial measures have to be
implemented. In a fluoride endemic area, it is not necessary that every water
sources is contaminated. The good sources may be identified by
hydrogeologists, and the people can be educated to consume water supply only
from such sources.

Acknowledgements:
The data provided by the State Ground Water Department, Panchayat Raj
Department, Agriculture Department, Irrigation Department, District Water
Management Agency and Directorate of Economics & Stastistics, Govt.of Andhra
Pradesh, for preparation of the report, is gratefully acknowledged.
 APPENDIX-I

Statement Showing the number of Genuine Suicide Post-cases of farmers as on from

14-5-2004 to 19-8-06
Sl. No. Name of the Deceased Date of Age Village Mandal
Suicide Mandal
Guntur district
1 Narisety Sambasivarao 01/09/2004 Amruthalur Amruthalur
2 Addanki Siva Koti Raju 07/07/2004 Konduru Atchampet
3 Kambala Kistaiah 27/09/2005 Atchampet Atchampet
S/oKotaiah
4 Chapala Srinivasa Rao 25/05/2004 42 Bapatla Bapatla
5 Jonnalagadda Rama Rao 27/05/2004 49 Chervujammula Bapatla
palm
6 Karnati Sreeramamurthy 25/07/2004 57 Poondla Bapatla

7 Rangisetty Nageswara 16/06/2004 42 Boppudu Chilakaluripet

Rao
8 Valluri Subba Rao 16/07/2004 Veluru Chilakaluripet
9 Jettiboina Ramaswamy 31/07/2004 Sankarapuram Dachepalli

10 Jale Ramanaiah 02/08/2004 Dachepalli Dachepalli

11 Eda Brahmananda 29/08/2004 IrikapalliH/o Dachepalli
Reddy Nadikudi
12 Varra Srinivasa Reddy 28/08/2004 Gadipudi Dachepalli
13 Pagadala Satyanarayana 08/10/2005 Nadikudi Dachepalli
S/oGuravaiah

14 Attota Sadanandarao 09/07/2004 Dintenapadu Edlapadu

15 Neelam Srinivasa Rao 28/08/2004 Gurzala Gurzala
16 Nali Peda Veeraiah 26/11/2004 Jangamaheswar Gurzala
apuram
17 G Bhudevaiah 18/06/2004 Bommarajupalli Ipur
18 Pinneboina Srinivasarao 09/10/2004 Inimella Ipur

19 Bolineedi Ramakrishna 02/09/2004 Vepakam Karempudi

20 M Saida Reddy 04/06/2004 Chennayapalem Machavaram
21 Bandi Venkaiah 18/08/2004 Kothapalli Macherla

69
22 Gummidigala Raghavulu 23/07/2004 Yalavarthipadu Medikondur
S/o.Chinna
Venkateswarlu
23 Eda Sambireddy 16/11/2004 Jangamguntlapa Medikondur
S/oAnjireddy lem
24 Yelisetty Venkateswarlu 28/10/2005 Janagamguntlap Medikondur
alem
25 K Purnachandra Rao 22/05/2004 40 Nadendla Nadendla
26 G. Purnachandra Rao 12/08/2004 Satulur Nadendla
27 Mettem Satyanarayana 16/09/2004 Pamidipadu Narasaraopet

28 Oggu Vijayakrishna 22/07/2004 Gonepudi Narasaraopet

29 Vemireddy Venkatreddy 22/10/2004 Lingamukkalap Nuzendla
S/oVengala alli

30 Degala Venkateswarrao 03/08/2004 Uppalapadu Pedakakani

31 Muvva Veeraiah 28/05/2004 55 Hussainnagara Pedakurapadu

m
32 Darsi Venkatrav 11/11/2004 Pedakurapadu Pedakurapadu
S/oPedaVenkateswarlu
33 Kakumanu Haribabu 11/06/2004 45 Nagulapadu Pedanandipadu
S/o. Chinnodu
34 Mannam Rama Rao 15/06/2004 Gollapalem Phirangipuram
35 Bhimanathuni 22/07/2004 Vemuluripadu Phirangipuram
Hanumantharao
36 M Venkateswara Reddy 21/05/2004 50 Karalapadu Pidugrualla

37 Bathula Nageswarrao 16/08/2004 Karalapadu Pidugrualla

38 Byladugula 05/11/2004 Panditivaripale Pidugrualla
ChinaMallaiah m
39 Yanala 17/11/2005 Veerapuram Pidugrualla
VeeraSankaraRao
S/oVenkataSubbaiah
40 Yalavarthi Venkateswar 25/05/2004 49 Doppalapudi Ponnur
Rao
41 N Nageswara Rao 23/05/2004 40 Ganapavaram Rajupalem
42 Pasupuleti Mohana Rao 29/06/2004 Ganapavaram Rajupalem

43 Mule Peda 04/07/2004 Ramiredypalem Rompicherla

Venkateswarreddy

70
44 Ipurapatnam Peraiah 08/09/2005 Karlakunta Rompicherla
45 P Sambasiva Rao 24/05/2004 Deepaladinnepa Sattenapalli
lem
46 Kallam Sriramreddy 06/06/2004 67 Kantepudi Sattenapalli
47 Gutha Peraiah 05/08/2004 Velpuru Savalyapuram
48 Pidikiti Tirupathaiah 02/10/2004 Nidumukkala Tadikonda
49 Thota Sambaiah 26/05/2004 50 Bandarupalli Thadikonda
50 V Jaya Rao 24/05/2004 65 Inavolu Thulluru
51 Chilli Solomon 23/08/2004 Kovelamudi Vatticherukur
52 Mamillapalli Subbaiah 31/05/2004 45 Bodiliveedu Veldurthi
53 Smt.Somula Kotamma 06/09/2004 Sirigiripadu Veldurthi
54 Golasam Sreenu 05/07/2004 Gangalakunta Veldurthi
S/o.Pentaiah
55 Mediboina Koteswara 22/07/2004 Gangalakunta Veldurthi
Rao
56 Mallanadipi Chalamaiah 01/09/2004 Veldurthi Veldurthi

57 Ganduru Veeraswamy 04/08/2004 Sirigiripadu Veldurthi

58 Laga Venkaiah 20/11/2004 Loyapalli Veldurthi
59 Nadendla Nageswara 28/10/2005 Bodelaveedu Veldurthi
Rao
60 Kondi Srinivasa Rao 11/09/2004 Gokanakonda Vinukonda

71