New Delhi, May 19, 2026 — India’s water reserves are depleting rapidly as the country grapples with intense summer heat and high demand for water ahead of the monsoon season. According to the latest data from the Central Water Commission (CWC), thirteen major reservoirs have fallen below 50% of their normal storage capacity, while several key river basins are recording significant declines in water levels.
Sharp Drop in Overall Storage
As of May 14, 2026, the 166 major reservoirs monitored by the CWC hold a total live storage of 63.232 billion cubic metres (BCM), which is just 34.45% of their combined capacity. This marks a notable decline from 71.082 BCM (38.72%) recorded on April 30, reflecting a loss of nearly 8 BCM in just two weeks.
The drop is attributed to increased evaporation due to soaring temperatures, heightened demand for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation, and limited inflows during the pre-monsoon period. While current levels remain higher than those recorded in the corresponding period last year and above the 10-year average, the pace of depletion has raised concerns among water resource experts.
Critical Reservoirs and Regional Hotspots
Thirteen reservoirs are now operating at critically low levels below 50% of normal storage. Several have reached alarmingly low or zero percentages, particularly in southern and eastern states. Notable examples include:
- Chandan Dam (Bihar/Jharkhand region): 0%
- Bhima Ujjaini (Maharashtra): 0%
- Maudaha (Uttar Pradesh): 0%
- Vaigai (Tamil Nadu): Approximately 12.47%
- Aliyar (Tamil Nadu): Around 21.25%
- Tehri (Uttarakhand): About 20.85%
- Khandong (Assam): Roughly 17.42%
- Tattahalla (Karnataka): Near 26.27%
- Kangsabati (West Bengal): Approximately 31.50%
Other affected reservoirs are spread across Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and additional states. Southern India, in particular, has borne the brunt of the decline, with many reservoirs hovering below 30-40% capacity.
River Basins Also Under Pressure
The decline is not limited to individual reservoirs. Several major river basins have also witnessed rapid drops in storage:
- Ganga Basin: Around 43.34%
- Godavari Basin: Approximately 36.52%
- Narmada Basin: Near 34.96%
- Krishna Basin: About 19.31%
- Barak Basin (Northeast): Significantly below normal levels
Basins such as Brahmani-Baitarani, Cauvery, and Mahanadi-Pennar are similarly operating below average, heightening risks for downstream water availability.
Implications and Outlook
The situation poses challenges for drinking water supply, agricultural activities, and power generation in the coming weeks, especially in drought-prone or water-stressed regions. Eight states have already reported notable drops in storage levels. Climate variability, including the possibility of a weaker monsoon influenced by El Niño conditions, could further complicate the scenario if rainfall remains deficient.
On a positive note, overall national storage continues to be better than in some recent drought-affected years. The arrival of the southwest monsoon, expected in early June, could bring much-needed relief provided it performs normally or above average.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and state governments have been advised to promote water conservation measures. The CWC continues to issue weekly Reservoir Storage Bulletins to track developments.
This ongoing water stress underscores the need for sustainable management practices, including better rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and long-term infrastructure planning to build resilience against climate-induced variability. As summer peaks, conservation remains the immediate priority for citizens and policymakers alike.
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