Rise in Dam Water Levels Due to Intensified Monsoon Activity

13-Jul-2026 11:12 AM

New Delhi: The Southwest Monsoon covered the entire country by July 8. After a weak performance in June, good rainfall across various parts of the country in July led to an improvement in water stocks in 166 major dams and reservoirs, pushing levels above 30 percent of their total storage capacity. However, more than 50 percent of the reservoirs remain at least half-empty.

According to a report by the Central Water Commission, water levels in major dams and reservoirs have risen to 59.443 billion cubic meters (BCM), representing 32.38 percent of the total storage capacity of 183.565 BCM. A week earlier, this level had dropped to 26 percent.

Over the past week, the rainfall deficit relative to the long-term average at the national level narrowed to 14 percent. While a deficit of 38 percent was recorded in East and Northeast India, 15 percent in the Southern Peninsula, and 9 percent in the Northwest region, Western and Central India actually received 3 percent excess rainfall. The monsoon remains active across several states, significantly aiding the sowing of Kharif crops.