Water Storage in Three-Quarters of the Country's Reservoirs Drops to Less Than Half

09-May-2026 12:53 PM

New Delhi. The latest data from the Central Water Commission reveals that water storage in the country's 166 major dams and reservoirs has declined to 66.830 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), which constitutes merely 36 percent of their total storage capacity of 183.565 BCM. In over 55 percent of these dams, less than 40 percent of the water remains, while, overall, three-quarters of the reservoirs are now less than half full. However, despite this situation, the current water level stands 14 percentage points higher than during the same period last year, and 25 percentage points higher than the ten-year average. Last year, water levels had dropped significantly.

Data from the Meteorological Department indicates that between March 1 and May 7, 28 percent of the country's 725 districts received either no rainfall or only negligible amounts. Prior to this, during January and February 2026, a severe rainfall deficit was recorded across more than 70 percent of the country.

Currently, 92 reservoirs across the country hold less than 40 percent of their storage capacity. Water levels in all five of the country's regions have dropped below the 45 percent mark. South India currently holds the lowest water reserves.

If there is no substantial rainfall during May and June, the early sowing of Kharif crops could face severe adverse effects. Moreover, due to the influence of the El Niño weather cycle, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to be weak this year, which could further impact sowing activities during July and August.