News Capsule: Water Levels in India's 166 Major Reservoirs Continue to Decline; Weak Monsoon Raises Kharif Concerns
26-Jun-2026 09:52 AM
News Capsule: Water Levels in India's 166 Major Reservoirs Continue to Decline; Weak Monsoon Raises Kharif Concerns
★ Water storage in India's 166 major reservoirs continued to decline as the southwest monsoon remained sluggish. During the week ending June 25, 2026, total live storage fell to 48.40 billion cubic metres (BCM), down from 50.46 BCM a week earlier. Storage levels are below those recorded last year, although they remain above the 10-year average.
★ The reservoirs currently hold only 26% of their total storage capacity, with nearly 90% of them less than half full. Two reservoirs—one each in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh—have completely dried up. Water storage in 27 reservoirs in eastern India and 47 reservoirs in southern India has also fallen below the 10-year average.
★ From June 1 to June 25, India recorded a 42% rainfall deficit, making this one of the driest Junes in the past 146 years. Central India has experienced the largest rainfall shortfall.
★ However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the monsoon to regain momentum during the first week of July. Conditions are likely to become favourable for further monsoon advancement between July 2 and July 8, which could improve rainfall activity.
★ The combination of weak rainfall and falling reservoir levels has heightened concerns over kharif sowing, irrigation availability, and overall water security. If the anticipated revival of the monsoon does not materialize in early July, pressure on kharif crop production could intensify.