Apprehension of Worsening Water Crisis in South India

20-Mar-2026 04:56 PM

Thiruvananthapuram: Due to a prolonged lack of adequate rainfall in South India, water levels in dams and reservoirs have dropped below last year's figures, raising fears of a severe water crisis emerging in the region in the coming days. This could lead to a shortage of water for both drinking purposes and the irrigation of agricultural crops.

Currently, the 47 major dams and reservoirs across South India hold a water stock of only 22.830 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), which represents 41 percent of their total storage capacity of 55.288 BCM. There is a palpable need for substantial rainfall in the region.

Relative to their total storage capacities, the remaining water stock stands at less than 35 percent in Telangana's dams and reservoirs, less than 40 percent in Karnataka, less than 45 percent in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and less than 50 percent in the reservoirs of Andhra Pradesh.

Water levels in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are currently lower than they were at this time last year. Consequently, there is apprehension that the paddy crops of the Rabi and Zaid seasons in South India could be adversely affected.