The water levels in the country’s reservoirs have experienced a decline, raising concerns about irrigation. According to the latest data from the Central Water Commission (CWC), as of February 22 2023, the total storage in 150 reservoirs across the nation stands at 81.041 BCM, representing 45% of their total live storage capacity. In comparison, last year’s live storage for the same period was 98.014 BCM. Consequently, the current live storage in these reservoirs is 83% of the corresponding period from the previous year.
In the northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, there are 10 reservoirs, which are under CWC monitoring. The total live storage in these reservoirs as of February 22 is 7.790 BCM, equivalent to 40% of their total live storage capacity. This marks a decrease from the 48% storage recorded during the same period last year.
Moving to the Eastern region, comprising states like Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, and Bihar, there are 23 reservoirs under CWC monitoring with a total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM. The current live storage is 11.386 BCM, accounting for 56% of the total live storage capacity. In contrast, the storage during the same period last year was 51%, indicating an improvement in the current year.
In the Western States, specifically Gujarat and Maharashtra, there are 49 reservoirs under CWC monitoring with a total live storage capacity of 37.130 BCM. The present live storage is 20.539 BCM, representing 55% of the total live storage capacity. However, this is a decrease from the 66% storage recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.
The Central region, encompassing states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, has 26 reservoirs under CWC monitoring. The total live storage in these reservoirs is 25.403 BCM, constituting 53% of their total live storage capacity. This is a reduction from the 56% storage recorded during the same period last year.
Lastly, in the Southern region, including states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, there are 42 reservoirs under CWC monitoring. The total live storage in these reservoirs is 15.923 BCM, amounting to 30% of their total live storage capacity. This indicates a decrease from the 51% storage recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.
