The recent data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) has revealed that the storage in 155 major reservoirs in India has dropped to 75 per cent of capacity. This decrease in storage is attributed to the easing intensity of the North-East monsoon over the past few days.
As of Thursday, the total storage in the reservoirs was recorded at 135.404 billion cubic metres (BCM), against a capacity of 180.852 BCM. While this level is 124 per cent higher than last year, it is still below the normal storage levels for the past 10 years.
The CWC’s weekly bulletin highlighted a drop in storage levels across all five regions, with particular concern for the northern region where the storage level decreased to 46 per cent of capacity. Only 10 reservoirs are currently full, while 19 have storage levels below 50 per cent.
This decline in reservoir storage is further exacerbated by a 62 per cent rainfall deficiency in 62 per cent of the 721 districts between October 1 and December 15. This has had an impact on rabi sowing, with the overall area under all crops slightly lower compared to the previous year.
In the coming weeks, the storage levels are expected to continue to drop as the North-East monsoon season comes to a close. With limited rainfall activity forecasted in the near future, the situation remains a cause for concern. It is crucial for water management authorities to closely monitor the reservoir levels and take necessary measures to ensure adequate water supply for irrigation and other purposes.
