The status of India’s major reservoirs reflects a concerning trend, with the Central Water Commission reporting a combined live capacity of 26.4 per cent as of June 25. While this figure matches the 10-year average for late June, it is notably 10 percentage points lower than the previous year’s levels. This decline highlights a troubling situation as many regions across the country are already experiencing water shortages.

In urban centres such as Mumbai, low-pressure rationing has become a regular strategy for managing water supply during the summer months. Meanwhile, Pune has implemented an alternate-day supply system due to diminishing dam resources. These measures underline the fact that the national average can mask more severe issues facing specific states.

Currently, 14 out of the 24 states monitored by the Central Water Commission have recorded reservoir levels below their respective 10-year norms. States like West Bengal and Mizoram have faced drastic shortfalls, with their reservoirs at 60 per cent and 54 per cent below expected levels, respectively. Karnataka’s reservoirs are also down by 40 per cent, demonstrating a widespread water management challenge.

Monsoon Deficits Impacting Reservoir Refilling

The primary source of reservoir replenishment is the monsoon rains, which have been disappointingly sparse this June. Data from the India Meteorological Department indicates that rainfall was approximately one-third lower than the normal levels recorded from 1971 to 2020, particularly affecting central, eastern, and peninsular India. This pattern correlates with the existing reservoir shortfalls, evidencing a direct link between rainfall and water resources.

The atmospheric conditions affecting India’s climate have also played a crucial role. A significant warming of the Pacific Ocean has been observed, with the Nino 3.4 sea-surface temperature anomaly rising to about +1.8°C by June 29. This warming trend typically indicates a strong El Niño event, which is associated with a weaker Indian monsoon, further exacerbating the country’s water issues.

As a result of the dry conditions, approximately 37 per cent of India was reported to be experiencing some level of drought by June 24, according to the India Drought Monitor. The Union Agriculture Ministry has prepared contingency plans for 12 states severely affected by these drought conditions, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.

Underlying Challenges in Water Management

Improving monsoon performance in July and August may alleviate immediate reservoir concerns; however, the broader challenge lies within India’s water utilisation practices. Systemic issues, such as the cultivation of water-intensive crops in arid regions and reliance on subsidised power for lift irrigation, contribute to chronic water scarcity. These decisions reflect deeper policy issues rather than purely environmental factors.

India faces an ongoing struggle with water management, as evidenced by past crises in major cities where reservoirs were depleted. Instances like Cape Town in 2018 and Chennai in 2019 have illustrated the potential for severe water shortages due to poor planning and over-extraction of groundwater resources.

The contamination of water supplies in some of India’s cleanest cities serves as a stark reminder of governance problems regarding water management. Experts have suggested that addressing the nuances of urban planning and water systems is paramount, as neglecting these aspects can exacerbate the existing crisis. Moving towards a more diversified economy and adopting innovative agricultural practices may offer pathways to enhanced water resilience.

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