New Delhi, Feb 28: The total live storage capacity of 155 reservoirs monitored by the Central Water Commission (CWC) stands at 180.852 billion cubic meters (BCM), representing 70.15% of the country’s total estimated live storage capacity, according to the latest CWC bulletin.
As of Thursday, the live storage available in these reservoirs is 93.529 BCM, which accounts for 52% of their total capacity. This marks a significant improvement compared to the same period last year when storage stood at 78.633 BCM, with the ten-year average at 81.497 BCM. The current storage is 119% of last year’s level and 115% of the normal storage, reflecting better water availability overall.
Regional Disparities in Water Storage
While the overall storage has improved, certain regions continue to face water stress, particularly in the northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The 11 reservoirs in this region, with a total live storage capacity of 19.836 BCM, are only 28% full. This is significantly lower than last year’s 37% and the normal storage of 40%. Major reservoirs like Pong Dam and Thein Dam are at 40% and 32% of their capacities, respectively.The eastern states, including Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, and Bihar, have 25 reservoirs with a combined capacity of 20.798 BCM. The current storage in these reservoirs stands at 51%, slightly below last year’s 53% and the normal level of 55%. Some reservoirs, like Chandan Dam in Bihar, have hit critical lows with 0% storage, whereas others, like Maithon Dam in Jharkhand, are nearly full.
In the western region, which includes Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, 50 reservoirs have 64% storage of their 37.357 BCM total capacity. This is an improvement from last year’s 54% and the normal storage of 49%. Key reservoirs such as Sardar Sarovar in Gujarat and Jayakwadi in Maharashtra are maintaining healthy storage levels.
Better Storage in Central and Southern India
The central states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—have 26 reservoirs with a total capacity of 48.227 BCM. The current storage level is 54%, higher than last year’s 51% and the normal 48%. However, some reservoirs, like Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, are struggling, with only 32% storage.The southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu—have 43 reservoirs with a total capacity of 54.634 BCM. These reservoirs currently hold 50% of their capacity, a significant improvement from last year’s 28% and the normal storage of 38%. However, certain reservoirs, such as Sholayar in Tamil Nadu, remain critically low at 13% storage.
Impact of Rainfall Deficit
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that several regions, including Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch, and parts of Maharashtra, received less than 80% of their normal rainfall this season. This shortfall has directly affected reservoir storage levels. For instance, the Dantiwada Reservoir in Gujarat is at only 13% of its capacity, while the Upper Kolab Reservoir in Odisha is at 46%.Despite improved overall water storage, regional imbalances remain a concern, particularly for agricultural and drinking water supply in certain states. The situation underscores the need for effective water resource management to address ongoing disparities and prepare for future climate variations.