Water Levels in Dams and Reservoirs Drop to 47 Percent

04-Apr-2026 12:37 PM

New Delhi. The water stock in the country's 166 major dams and reservoirs has declined to just 47 percent of their total storage capacity—a matter of grave concern for the agricultural sector. In three out of the country's five regions, water levels currently stand below 50 percent. These water levels are witnessing a continuous decline.

According to a report by the Central Water Commission, the total storage capacity of these 166 major dams and reservoirs is 183.565 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), whereas only 85.698 BCM of water stock remains.

Meanwhile, data from the Meteorological Department reveals that out of the 725 districts across the country from which weather-related statistics are collected, 35 percent have received no rainfall since March 1st.

Overall, a rainfall deficit persists in more than 70 percent of the country's districts. If substantial pre-monsoon rains do not occur during April and May, the cultivation of Kharif crops could face delays.