India Faces Declining Water Storage Levels Amid Deficient Rainfall

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-01-26 09:14:20 |

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Recent reports highlight a concerning decline in water storage levels across India’s major reservoirs. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported a decrease in water levels for the twelfth consecutive week. This alarming trend is primarily due to deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall across large parts of the country. Current figures reveal that the total storage in 155 major reservoirs has dropped to 66% of their total capacity, raising serious concerns about water availability for various sectors.

Current Water Storage Levels

At present, the water storage in India’s major reservoirs stands at 119.505 billion cubic metres (BCM) out of a total capacity of 180.852 BCM. Although this is slightly higher than the storage levels recorded last year and the average of the past decade, the ongoing deficiency in rainfall poses a significant threat to the future water supply.

Rainfall Deficiency Across the Nation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revealed that 83% of the country experienced deficient rainfall between January 1 and January 24. More than 60% of India received scanty or no rainfall during this period. Winter rainfall, particularly in January, was 62% below normal levels, worsening the water crisis in many areas.

Regional Water Storage Analysis

The northern region is facing a critical situation, with storage levels in 11 reservoirs at just 38% of their total capacity. Punjab’s Thein dam is down to 18% capacity, while Himachal Pradesh’s reservoirs are at 31%. Rajasthan, however, has fared better, with storage levels at 68%.

In the eastern region, 25 reservoirs are filled to 63.64% of their capacity. Bihar’s lone dam has only 25% storage, while Nagaland’s dam is at 46%. On the brighter side, states like Jharkhand and Tripura report levels above 70%.

The western region remains relatively stable, with 50 reservoirs at 78% capacity. Goa’s reservoir is nearly full at 93%, while Maharashtra and Gujarat report 79% and 73% capacity, respectively.

In the central region, 26 reservoirs are at 69% of their capacity. Uttar Pradesh’s storage levels have dipped below 60%, while Madhya Pradesh maintains a healthier level of 73%.

The southern region reports storage at 66% of its total capacity. Tamil Nadu’s dams are notably at 86%, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana report levels of 77% and 74%, respectively.

Future Rainfall Outlook

The IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall until February 5, which is likely to exacerbate the decline in water storage levels. This projection raises further concerns about the worsening water crisis in affected regions, underlining the need for effective water resource management and planning.

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