India’s major reservoir storage levels have declined, with less than 10 percent of the 166 monitored reservoirs holding more than 80 percent of their capacity, according to recent data from the Central Water Commission (CWC). As of this week, overall storage fell below 45 percent, with 55 percent of reservoirs containing less than 45 percent of their water capacity.

The CWC reported that total storage across these reservoirs dropped to 44.7 percent of their combined capacity, holding 82.07 billion cubic meters (BCM) out of a total 183.565 BCM. While this marks a significant decrease from recent weeks, the figure remains 18 percentage points higher than the same period last year and 27 points above the decade-long average for this time.

Regionally, storage percentages fell below 55 percent across all five geographical zones. The southern region recorded the lowest levels, with reservoirs holding only 33.6 percent of their combined 55.288 BCM capacity—approximately 18.6 BCM—representing a decrease from last year’s levels. The western region maintained the highest storage at 53.63 percent, with 20.44 BCM filled out of 38.094 BCM capacity. Other regions showed lower but varied levels: the northern reservoirs were at 44 percent capacity (8.7 BCM of 19.836 BCM), the central region at 52 percent (25.15 BCM of 48.588 BCM), and the eastern region at 42 percent (9.18 BCM of 21.759 BCM).

Despite widespread excess pre-monsoon rainfall across more than 60 percent of the country’s 725 districts since March 1, overall reservoir levels declined. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that northern and central India experienced below-average rainfall during January and February, which contributed to the reduced storage. These earlier deficits outweighed the more recent precipitation, leading to the current downward trend.

Looking ahead, meteorologists forecast that ongoing unseasonal rains may help moderate the decline in reservoir storage over the coming week, although significant replenishment appears unlikely in the near term. The patterns underscore regional variability in rainfall and water availability challenges as India approaches the peak monsoon season.