Context :

• According to a report by the Central Water Commission (CWC), only 51.92 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM) of water is available in India’s 166 major reservoirs, which is just 28.28% of their total live storage capacity of 183.56 BCM.

Key Points :

• The report highlights challenges related to water security, agriculture, energy and climate change ahead of the monsoon season.

Major Statistics of the Report :

• Total Live Storage Capacity: The combined capacity of these 166 reservoirs is 183.56 BCM, accounting for about 71.2% of India’s estimated total reservoir capacity (257.81 BCM).
• Current Storage: As of 11 June 2026, only 51.92 BCM (28.28%) of water was available.
• Annual Comparison: The current storage is 8.17% lower than the storage recorded during the same period in 2025.
• Long-term Average: However, the present storage level is 15.8% higher than the historical ten-year average (Normal Storage).

Regional Disparities: Geographical Analysis :

Nearly Empty Reservoirs :

• Chandan Dam (Jharkhand)
• Bhima-Ujjani Reservoir (Maharashtra)
• Maudaha Reservoir (Uttar Pradesh)
• Nanak Sagar Reservoir (Uttarakhand)

Major Reservoirs with Low Water Levels :

• Bhadra (Karnataka) – 3.17%
• Vaigai (Tamil Nadu) – 10.88%
• Kabini (Karnataka) – 17.08%
• Krishnaraja Sagar (Karnataka) – 33.47%
• Tungabhadra (Karnataka) – 36.53%
• Basins with Above-Normal Storage : Ganga, Indus, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati, Godavari, Brahmaputra, Pennar, Mahanadi

Basins with Below-Normal Storage :

• East-flowing rivers between the Mahanadi and Pennar basins
• Barak and other river basins
• Hydropower Projects :
• Out of the reservoirs associated with 20 hydropower projects, 9 reservoirs have water levels at or below normal.
• This may adversely affect hydroelectric power generation.

Major Reasons for the Decline in Water Levels :

• Slow Progress of the Southwest Monsoon: In 2026, the monsoon reached the Kerala coast late and remained weak until mid-June, resulting in a significant rainfall deficit.
• Impact of El Niño: Active El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean have negatively affected the Indian monsoon.
• High Summer Evaporation: Record-breaking heatwaves during March–May increased evaporation losses from reservoirs.
• Reservoir Siltation: Deforestation and mining activities in river basins have accelerated sediment deposition, reducing the effective storage capacity of major reservoirs such as the Bhakra Dam.