Water in India’s big reservoirs dips to 23%: CWC
CWC report shows water levels in India's top 150 reservoirs falls to 23%, a 77% drop from last year.
The latest report from the Central Water Commission (CWC) has highlighted a concerning decrease in the water levels of India’s 150 main reservoirs, with storage levels plummeting to just 23% of their total capacity. This represents a substantial drop compared to the same period last year and falls below the normal storage levels.
The collective water storage in these reservoirs stands at 41.705 billion cubic meters (BCM), which is only 23% of their total capacity of 178.784 BCM. This figure starkly contrasts with the 53.832 BCM storage recorded last year and the normal storage level of 44.511 BCM. The current storage level is a mere 77% of last year’s levels and 94% of the normal storage capacity.
The impact of the declining water levels varies across different regions of the country:
Northern Region (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan):
The reservoirs in this region have a live storage capacity of 19.663 BCM. Presently, they are at 30% of their capacity, a decrease from 38% last year and slightly below the normal level of 31%.
Eastern Region (Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, Bihar):
With a total capacity of 20.430 BCM, the reservoirs in this region are currently at 28% capacity. While this is an improvement from last year’s 25%, it remains close to the normal level of 26%.
Western Region (Gujarat, Maharashtra):
The 49 reservoirs in this region have a combined capacity of 37.130 BCM and are currently at 24% capacity. This is lower than the 28% recorded last year but slightly above the normal level of 23%.
Central Region (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh):
These reservoirs have a total capacity of 48.227 BCM, with current storage at 29%. This is a significant decrease from previous levels and is a cause for concern.
The decline in water levels across India’s main reservoirs poses challenges for various sectors, including agriculture, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation. It underscores the urgent need for effective water management strategies and conservation efforts to address the water scarcity issue and ensure sustainable water availability for the country’s diverse needs.
Low water levels in reservoirs can lead to reduced water availability for irrigation, affecting crop production and farmers’ livelihoods. It can also result in water scarcity for domestic use, especially in areas heavily reliant on reservoirs for drinking water supply. The decrease in water levels can impact hydropower generation, leading to potential energy shortages and affecting industries and households dependent on this source of electricity.
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