Water Levels in Dams Likely to Drop Further Amid Heat and Dry Spell

08-Apr-2025 12:13 PM

New Delhi: Water storage in 161 major dams and reservoirs across India has fallen below 40% of their total capacity, according to the Central Water Commission. The current available storage stands at 72.91 billion cubic meters (BCM) against the total capacity of 182.375 BCM.

Region-wise data shows worrying trends: 37.6% storage in the eastern region, 45% in the central, 23% in the northern, 36.5% in the southern, and 48% in the western regions.

The situation may worsen as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall across most of the country in April.

This could impact summer crops, especially in areas where sowing took place in February-March, and may even affect Rabi crops, with harvesting currently underway.

The lack of pre-monsoon rains and rising heat are drying up soils, creating urgent irrigation needs across many states.