Water Storage | Drought Concerns | Rainfall Deficiency

India’s Reservoirs Face Declining Water Levels for 12th Week Amid Rainfall Deficit

India is facing a looming water crisis as water storage in major reservoirs continues to fall for the twelfth consecutive week. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported that as of now, only 66% of total storage capacity is filled in 155 major reservoirs—raising alarms for agriculture, drinking water, and power supply across the country.

📉 Current Storage Status

• Total Live Storage Available: 119.505 billion cubic metres (BCM)
• Total Capacity: 180.852 BCM
• 📊 Though current storage is higher than last year and the 10-year average, continued rainfall deficiency could offset this advantage in the coming weeks.

🌧️ Rainfall Deficit Snapshot (Jan 1–24, 2025)

• 83% of India received deficient rainfall
• 62% deficit in winter rainfall compared to normal
• Majority of regions classified under “scanty” or “no rainfall” categories by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

📍 Regional Water Storage Analysis

🧭 Northern Region (11 reservoirs)

• Average Storage: 38%
• Thein Dam, Punjab: 18%
• Himachal Pradesh Dams: 31%
• Rajasthan: Exceptionally better at 68%

🧭 Eastern Region (25 reservoirs)

• Average Storage: 63.64%
• Bihar: 25%
• Nagaland: 46%
• Jharkhand, Tripura: Above 70%

🧭 Western Region (50 reservoirs)

• Overall Average: 78%
• Goa: 93%
• Maharashtra: 79%
• Gujarat: 73%

🧭 Central Region (26 reservoirs)

• Average Storage: 69%
• Uttar Pradesh: Below 60%
• Madhya Pradesh: 73%

🧭 Southern Region (43 reservoirs)

• Average Storage: 66%
• Tamil Nadu: 86%
• Andhra Pradesh: 77%
• Telangana: 74%

🔮 IMD’s Rainfall Forecast

• Outlook until February 5: Below-normal rainfall likely
• With limited winter precipitation, reservoir levels may dip further, threatening irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation.

⚠️ Why This Matters

• Agriculture: Rabi crops like wheat and pulses could be impacted by low irrigation availability.
• Urban Supply: Drinking water access in metros and towns may tighten if reservoir levels fall further.
• Hydropower: Generation capacities may decline, affecting energy supply stability.

🛠️ The Way Forward

• Implement real-time water monitoring and micro-irrigation techniques.
• Encourage rainwater harvesting and community water management.
• State governments should activate drought preparedness plans and safeguard drinking water for vulnerable regions.

India’s water security depends on both smart planning and sustained rainfall. As climate patterns grow erratic, managing and conserving water will be as vital as growing food or generating electricity.