Water levels in reservoirs drop further due to rainfall deficit

26-Jun-2026 10:48 AM

New Delhi. Water levels in the country's dams and reservoirs continue to decline as the monsoon remains weak due to the impact of El Niño. Typically, water levels begin to rise in June, but the situation is the opposite this time due to the sluggish pace of the monsoon's advance.

Water levels across the country's 166 major dams and reservoirs have dropped to just 26 percent of their total storage capacity. A matter of serious concern is that one reservoir each in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand has completely dried up. This June is being considered one of the driest months in the last 146 years.

According to the Meteorological Department, southwest monsoon rainfall was 42 percent below the normal average up to June 25, with central India experiencing the driest conditions. However, monsoon activity has now begun to pick up, raising hopes for good rainfall across various states in the coming days. The Meteorological Department has predicted a potential lull in the monsoon after next week, which is a cause for serious concern.

The sowing of Kharif crops is being affected by the lack of monsoon rainfall and high temperatures. In most states, the area under cultivation is lagging behind last year's figures. The government has prepared contingency plans for 315 districts, where farmers will receive advice and assistance for cultivating alternative crops.

July usually sees the heaviest rainfall, but there is uncertainty about this year's prospects. El Niño continues to strengthen while the monsoon weakens. This raises concerns about a potential decline in the acreage of several Kharif crops, including paddy, maize, and cotton.