Water levels in dams and reservoirs have dropped to 64 percent

13-Feb-2026 11:53 AM

New Delhi. Due to lack of rainfall and unregulated water withdrawals, water levels in dams and reservoirs are continuously declining, which is a matter of concern. Data from the Central Water Commission shows that water levels in 166 major dams and reservoirs in the country have dropped to 64 percent of their total storage capacity.

The total storage capacity of these 166 reservoirs is 183.565 billion cubic meters (BCM), while the current stock is only 118.140 BCM. This stock is 10 percentage points higher than the same period last year and 25 percentage points higher than the ten-year average.

According to the Commission's report, four reservoirs in the country are fully filled, while 11 reservoirs have more than 90 percent water stock, and 32 reservoirs have more than 80 percent water stock.

On the other hand, water levels in 30 dams have dropped below 50 percent. Out of the country's five divisions, water levels in four dams are below 70 percent, raising concerns about crop irrigation. Only the reservoirs in the Western Division have 75 percent of their storage capacity.

The El Niño weather cycle is expected to be active during this year's monsoon season, which could impact rainfall. Temperatures have already begun to rise in many regions, with a strong possibility of further increases in the coming months.

If rainfall continues to be scarce, water stocks in dams and reservoirs could further decline to alarming levels. Normal or below-normal rainfall is predicted for February.