Reservoir Water Levels Fall Below 90 Percent

28-Nov-2025 04:04 PM

New Delhi. Due to lack of rainfall in most areas, the water level in 166 major dams and reservoirs across the country has dropped from 90 percent of their total storage capacity to 87.83 percent in the current week.

Previously, water storage was assessed only in 161 dams and reservoirs, but now five additional dams have been included, including three in the western region and one each in the southern and eastern regions.

According to the latest weekly data from the Central Water Commission, the total water storage capacity of the country's 166 major dams and reservoirs is 183.565 billion cubic meters (BCM), while the current water stock is 161.218 BCM.

Consequently, water storage in reservoirs in the western and central regions remains above 90 percent, while in the eastern region, it has dropped below 80 percent. Current water reserves in dams and reservoirs at the national level are 7 percent higher than last year and 21 percent higher than the ten-year average.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), most parts of the country received no or negligible rainfall last week.

Despite this, the national rainfall from October 1 to November 26, the post-monsoon season, was 25 percent higher than the normal average.

During the period under review, 59 percent of the country's 730 districts (from which data is collected) received surplus rainfall.

Most of these districts are located in northwestern and central India. On the other hand, 17 percent of districts experienced rainfall deficit.

Twenty-six reservoirs across the country are still full, ensuring irrigation of Rabi crops will not be difficult. The acreage under Rabi crops is 10-12 percent ahead of last year.