Water level in reservoirs decreased due to less rain after monsoon

22-Nov-2024 01:54 PM

The water level in India's major reservoirs has decreased due to a lack of rainfall following the end of the monsoon season, according to the latest data from the Central Water Commission.

As of this week, the water stock in 155 major dams and reservoirs is at 83% of their total storage capacity, which marks a 2 percentage point decline from the previous week. However, this level is still higher than last year and the 10-year average.

This drop in water levels is attributed to limited rainfall and high temperatures since the end of the southwest monsoon. While the monsoon season saw about 8% more rainfall than average, the period from October 1 to November 21, 2024, saw 64% of the country's 720 districts experience below-average rainfall.

Nationally, rainfall has been 11% below normal, with the northwestern regions of the country suffering a significant 75% decline in rainfall.

In contrast, the eastern and northeastern parts of India saw above-average rainfall, though the central region recorded 18% less rainfall.

Despite regional variations, the water levels in Punjab, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh have dropped significantly, with stocks at 52%, 36%, and 30%, respectively, of the total storage capacity.

This could impact water availability for the upcoming Rabi crop season, particularly in states like Rajasthan. However, other regions have relatively better water reserves and normal soil moisture content, which should support agricultural activities.