Only 35 Percent Water Stock Remains in South Indian Reservoirs

10-Apr-2026 04:14 PM

Hyderabad: Water levels in South Indian dams have dropped to below 35 percent—a figure even lower than that recorded last year.

Currently, the 47 major dams and reservoirs in this region hold a water stock of only 18.593 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), which constitutes 33.6 percent of their total storage capacity of 55.288 BCM. Last year, the water stock available in these reservoirs was significantly higher.

In Telangana's dams and reservoirs, the water stock has plummeted to below 25 percent relative to their total storage capacity, while in Karnataka, it is estimated at 30 percent. Water stock levels are estimated at 42 percent in Tamil Nadu's reservoirs, 36 percent in Kerala, and 41 percent in Andhra Pradesh.

The water levels in these dams are in a critical state; if the situation does not improve, farmers in the region could face difficulties in cultivating Kharif crops—particularly paddy.

In other water divisions across the country, water levels are, by and large, higher than those recorded last year. The threat of El Niño continues to loom over the monsoon rains, while the southern states are also experiencing scant pre-monsoon rainfall.