Water levels in dams and reservoirs rise due to regular monsoon rains

04-Sep-2026 11:39 AM

New Delhi. Water levels in dams and reservoirs have risen due to good monsoon rainfall across various parts of the country during late August and early September. Data from the Central Water Commission indicates that at least 30 percent of the country's 166 major dams and reservoirs currently hold water stocks exceeding 90 percent of their total storage capacity.

According to the Commission's report, these 166 major dams and reservoirs hold a total water stock of 129.87 billion cubic meters (BCM), representing 56.76 percent of their total storage capacity of 183.565 BCM.

Reservoirs in four out of the country's five regions hold water stocks exceeding 60 percent of their capacity; however, water levels have dropped significantly in the southern region. States in this region—Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala—have received deficient monsoon rainfall. Nationally, water levels in dams and reservoirs remain lower than both the figures from the corresponding period last year and the 10-year average.

According to the Meteorological Department, the country received 13 percent less rainfall than the long-term average between June 1 and September 3 this year. Rainfall was below normal levels in 47 percent of the country's 734 districts.

Thirteen reservoirs across the country have filled to their full capacity, including five in Maharashtra. Conversely, water levels in 51 dams remain below 50 percent of their storage capacity.