Water Scarcity in Northern and Western Regions as Well

02-Jun-2026 04:01 PM

New Delhi. Due to a lack of pre-monsoon rainfall across most parts of the country during May, water levels in dams and reservoirs have dropped significantly. This could potentially impact the early sowing of Kharif crops. In the Northern region, 11 major reservoirs currently hold a water stock of 7,694 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM),

which represents approximately 39 percent of their total storage capacity of 19.836 BCM. Notably, this water reserve is relatively better than that of other regions. In relation to their total storage capacity, water stocks stand at 59 percent in Punjab's dams, 44 percent in Rajasthan, and 33 percent in Himachal Pradesh.

Similarly, in the Western region of the country, water levels across 53 major dams and reservoirs have declined to 13.625 BCM, constituting 36 percent of their total storage capacity of 38.094 BCM. Goa's sole reservoir retains a water stock of only 31 percent, while Maharashtra holds just 28 percent of its water stock.

The situation in Gujarat is slightly better; dams and reservoirs there currently hold a water stock equivalent to 45 percent of their total storage capacity.