Water stock in dams and reservoirs less than 37%

18-Apr-2025 11:06 AM

New Delhi. As per the latest data from the Central Water Commission, water storage in India’s 161 major dams and reservoirs has fallen to just 36.64% of their total capacity.

Among them, 70 reservoirs currently hold less than 50% water. These dams have a combined storage capacity of 182.375 billion cubic meters (BCM), but only 66.823 BCM is available as of now. This level is slightly above the figures from the same period last year and the 10-year average.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that 51% of the country's 715 districts received little to no rainfall between March 1 and April 17, accompanied by soaring temperatures, which further depleted water levels.

The situation is particularly concerning in 82 reservoirs where the water level has dropped below 40%, while 33 others are below the 50% mark.

Northern region dams saw minor improvement due to rain from western disturbances. In the 11 northern reservoirs, water storage increased from 22.96% to 23.41% (4.644 BCM).

Punjab saw a rise to 23.20%, but levels fell in Himachal Pradesh to 16.25% and in Rajasthan to 41.30%.

In the eastern region, which has a total storage capacity of 21.655 BCM, only 7.136 BCM or 32.95% remains.