India’s 155 key reservoirs are overflowing, with water levels reaching 157.159 billion cubic meters (BCM), a remarkable 23% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in water levels is a direct consequence of the country receiving 7% more rainfall than usual during the monsoon season. The bountiful rains bring much-needed relief to various sectors, particularly agriculture, which forms a substantial 18% of India’s economy. Water-intensive industries like coal power generators and steelmakers, heavily reliant on the southwest monsoon for their operations, can also breathe a sigh of relief. This vital monsoon delivers nearly 70% of India’s rainwater, crucial for replenishing reservoirs and aquifers, and sustaining its vast agricultural sector.
However, the timing of these heavy rains raises concerns for the agricultural sector. Most crops are currently in their crucial flowering or maturing phase, and the late surge in rainfall could disrupt these delicate processes. This potentially poses a challenge to the overall agricultural output and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Since the beginning of the four-month monsoon season (June-September), India has received 873.9 mm of rainfall. Key kharif crop regions like Madhya Pradesh (16%), Gujarat (44%), Rajasthan (58%), Andhra Pradesh (30%), and Telangana (31%) have witnessed significant rainfall. These regions are known for producing essential crops like paddy, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts further rainfall in the coming days, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. By Thursday, water levels in India’s 155 major reservoirs had reached 157.159 BCM, representing 87% of their total live storage capacity. This signifies a substantial improvement compared to last year, when the live storage in these reservoirs stood at 127.713 BCM for the same period. The current storage level also surpasses the normal or last 10-year average storage of 133.642 BCM. This means that the current water levels in these reservoirs are 123% higher than last year and 118% higher than the normal storage capacity.
Of these 155 reservoirs, 20 are dedicated to hydroelectric projects, collectively holding a live storage capacity of 35.299 BCM. Notably, water reservoir levels in all regions, except northern India, have improved after dipping to their lowest points in July. However, four reservoirs in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are facing a water shortage, with levels 20% and 62% lower than normal, respectively. The available water in the 10 reservoirs in northern India stands at 19.836 BCM, which is 68% of the total live storage capacity of 19.663 BCM. This compares to 86% storage during the same period last year and 82% for the average storage over the past ten years.
The southern region has experienced a 16% surplus precipitation since June 1st, resulting in improved water storage in its 42 reservoirs. These reservoirs currently hold 87% of their total live storage capacity of 54.634 BCM, which translates to 47.458 BCM. A year ago, the storage level in these reservoirs was only 49% of their capacity and 67% of the 10-year average. The central region’s 26 reservoirs hold 43.785 BCM of water, representing 91% of their total live storage capacity of 48.227 BCM. This is a significant improvement compared to last year’s storage level of 81% and the 10-year average of 78% for the same period.
In the eastern region, the water level in 23 reservoirs spread across Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, and Bihar has risen to 17.473 BCM, marking 84% of their total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM. The western region’s 49 reservoirs currently hold 34.862 BCM of water, representing 93% of their total live storage capacity of 37.130 BCM. These levels are significantly better than the 64% storage level a year ago and the 10-year average of 72% for the eastern region, and the 84% and 76% figures for the western region, respectively.
