Current Status of India’s Reservoirs and Agriculture

January 31, 2025

India’s agricultural landscape faces challenges due to declining reservoir levels. The Agriculture Ministry is monitoring the situation closely. Recent data indicates drop in water storage across the country. This decline is particularly evident in northern and eastern regions. However, the current rabi crop remains unaffected for now.

Reservoir Levels

India has 155 major reservoirs. Their total capacity is 180.852 billion cubic metres. As of the latest reports, the storage level stands at 64 per cent. This is a decrease for 13 consecutive weeks. The current storage is 21 percentage points higher than last year. It is also 16 percentage points more than the last decade’s average. However, levels in the northern and eastern regions are concerning.

Impact of Deficient Rainfall

Deficient rainfall has affected nearly 60 per cent of India. Key regions in the north-west and central parts face severe shortages. The post-monsoon period saw drops in rainfall from October to December. Currently, 85 per cent of the country is experiencing either deficient or no rainfall. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are among the worst-hit states.

Regional Reservoir Status

In the northern region, 11 reservoirs hold only 36 per cent of their capacity. Punjab’s lone reservoir is at 17 per cent. Himachal Pradesh’s reservoir is at 29 per cent. Rajasthan’s storage is relatively better at 63 per cent. In the eastern region, 25 dams are filled to 61 per cent of their capacity. Bihar’s reservoir is critically low at 24 per cent.

Western and Central Regions

The western region shows better reservoir levels. It has 50 dams filled to 76 per cent of their capacity. Maharashtra and Gujarat have storage levels of 76 and 75 per cent respectively. In the central region, 26 reservoirs are filled to 66 per cent. Despite deficient rainfall, Madhya Pradesh’s reservoirs remain at 70 per cent.

Southern Region Performance

The southern region is faring better overall. Its 43 reservoirs are filled to 63 per cent of their capacity. Tamil Nadu has benefitted from recent rainfall, achieving 84 per cent storage. Andhra Pradesh’s dams are at 75 per cent, while Telangana and Karnataka are at 70 and 64 per cent respectively.

Future Projections

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not forecast any rainfall in the coming weeks. This lack of precipitation may lead to further declines in reservoir levels across the country. The Agriculture Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture.

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