Over 50% of Major Indian Reservoirs Remain Half-Empty, Raising Concerns Over Water Security
Over 50 percent of India’s 166 major reservoirs are reported to be below half-full, despite the conclusion of the South-West monsoon six weeks ago. Storage levels improved marginally to 34.46 percent of the total capacity of 183.565 billion cubic metres (BCM), amounting to 63.249 BCM, a rise of 2 percentage points. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the monsoon is currently 24 percent deficient. Most concerning is the situation in Telangana, where the eight reservoirs hold only 12.53 percent capacity, while similar low levels have been reported in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, raising alarms over water availability in these regions.
This storage crisis could have immediate implications for the common citizen and markets, particularly in agriculture, which heavily relies on adequate water supply for crop production. With 59 percent of the country reporting deficient rainfall, farmers could face significant challenges, likely leading to reduced crop yields or total crop failures. This would not only impact food security but could also contribute to inflation in food prices, affecting household budgets and overall living standards. Industries dependent on water resources could also suffer operational setbacks, potentially disrupting local and regional economies.
In light of the current situation, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. The IMD’s forecast of an impending low-pressure area bringing rain to eastern regions offers some hope; however, the cumulative deficit may necessitate policy interventions. The government may have to consider emergency measures, such as modifying water allocation for agriculture, implementing water conservation strategies, and possibly subsidizing affected farmers. Continued monitoring and possibly adjusting irrigation policies may also be necessary to mitigate the risks of drought in the coming months.
Source: The Hindu
(Expert Note: This report was independently prepared by the Wealthova Economy team.)