The storage in major Indian reservoirs remains below 90% of their capacity, despite a 47% surplus in rainfall in the southern region since November 27. Data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) indicates that the reservoirs were at 86.41% of their total capacity of 183.565 billion cubic meters (BCM), equivalent to 158.624 BCM. This figure is 7% and 22% higher than last year’s levels and the average for the past decade, respectively.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), nearly all regions outside the southern peninsula experienced deficient rainfall last week. Nationwide, the overall rainfall deficiency stood at 21%. However, the post-monsoon period from October 1 to December 3 recorded a 23% surplus in rainfall. Reports from 730 districts revealed that 17% experienced a shortfall in precipitation.
Among the identified five regions, only the western region’s storage surpassed 90%. The 53 reservoirs in this region were filled to 94% of their capacity, with 35.967 BCM out of 38.094 BCM. Goa’s single reservoir approached full capacity, while Maharashtra and Gujarat recorded storage levels of 95% and 94%, respectively.
In the southern region, storage across 47 reservoirs reached 84% of their total 55.287 BCM capacity, amounting to 46.408 BCM. Tamil Nadu’s reservoir levels rose to 93%, Andhra Pradesh reached 89%, and Telangana’s level registered at 87%. Karnataka and Kerala both experienced storage levels around 80%.
The central region, represented by 28 reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh, maintained a stable storage level of 90%, filled to 88% at 42.820 BCM of a total 48.588 BCM capacity. In Uttarakhand, storage levels neared 90%, with Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh recording levels of 86% and 79%, respectively.
In the northern region, 11 reservoirs were filled to 82% of their total 19.836 BCM capacity, totaling 16.311 BCM. Rajasthan’s dams reached 97% capacity, while Punjab and Himachal Pradesh recorded storages of 84% and 76%, respectively.
The eastern region’s 27 reservoirs stood at 79% of their total 21.759 BCM capacity, equivalent to 17.118 BCM. Although Meghalaya’s sole reservoir remains nearly full, levels in Assam have fallen below 45%. Storage in West Bengal improved to over 50%, while Odisha approached 85% capacity. Tripura’s levels were recorded at 88%, and Bihar’s sole reservoir stood at 55%.
Looking ahead, storage levels are expected to be maintained as remnants of cyclone Ditwah and the emergence of La Niña may lead to increased rainfall.
Published on December 4, 2025.
