As of the latest data, despite heavy rains in various parts of the country recently, the water levels in 150 main reservoirs remain disturbingly lower at 46.311 billion cubic meters (BCM), compared to the same period last year when the live storage was 58.864 BCM, as per the Central Water Commission (CWC).This presents a critical concern, especially for a country heavily dependent on agriculture, providing livelihoods to millions and ensuring food security for its vast population.
The reservoirs being monitored have a combined total live storage capacity of 178.784 BCM, representing 69.35 per cent of the overall estimated live storage capacity in the country.
Despite the extensive storage capacity, the current figures reveal that the available storage is only 79 per cent of last year’s levels and 90 per cent of the normal storage, which is calculated based on the average storage over the past 10 years.
In the Northern Region that includes states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, the current storage of 5.979 BCM represents 30% of the total capacity.
This is notably lower than the 63% storage recorded last year and the normal level of 35%. The shortfall in storage indicates potential implications for agriculture, particularly in states heavily reliant on irrigation from these reservoirs.
Similarly, in the Eastern Region, States such as Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal too face a current storage of 4.132 BCM, which is just 20 per cent of the total capacity. Comparatively, last year’s storage was slightly higher at 22 per cent, while the normal level stands at 24 per cent. The lower storage levels highlight challenges for maintaining adequate water supply for agricultural and domestic needs.
States like Gujarat and Maharashtra, prominent States in Western Region, currently hold 9.398 BCM, representing 25% of their total capacity. This is a decrease from 32 per cent recorded last year and slightly below the normal storage level of 27 per cent. The region’s reliance on reservoirs for irrigation and industrial purposes makes efficient water management crucial amid fluctuating rainfall patterns.
Central Region encompassing States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have a current storage of 13.035 BCM, accounting for 27% of the total capacity.
This is lower than the 39% recorded last year and the normal storage level of 32%. The disparity underscores the region’s vulnerability to water scarcity, affecting agricultural output and rural livelihoods dependent on irrigation.
The southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu show a mixed trend with a current storage of 13.767 BCM, which is 26 per cent of their total capacity. While this marks an improvement from 22 per cent last year, it remains below the normal storage level of 27 per cent. The region’s diverse climate zones necessitate adaptive water management strategies to sustain agriculture and urban demands.