The water levels in India’s 155 major dams and reservoirs have fallen below 70% of their total capacity for the 11th consecutive week, according to the latest report from the Central Water Commission.

Currently, these reservoirs hold 68% of their total capacity, which is 123.85 billion cubic meters (BCM), a decrease attributed to below-average rainfall across the country, except for the Central Division.

Despite this decrease, the water stock in the reservoirs remains higher than the average for the previous year and the past decade.

The decline in water levels follows a monsoon season marked by significantly reduced rainfall in over 60% of the country. However, the southern peninsula saw record rainfall in December 2024.

Notably, in the first half of January 2025, 85% of the country’s 719 districts received little to no rainfall, though the Meteorological Department assures that this will not severely affect the Rabi crops. The existing water stock is expected to suffice for irrigation needs during the Rabi season.

The northern region's 11 reservoirs are particularly low, holding only 8.016 BCM of water, which is just 40% of their capacity.

Punjab is experiencing the most severe shortage, with water levels in its reservoirs down to 21%, the lowest in the country.

However, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan are in a better position, with 33% and 68% of their reservoir capacity still intact, respectively, thanks to consistent rainfall in regions like Punjab-Haryana.