India’s major reservoirs are holding just 28.28 per cent of their total live storage capacity, making the progress of the southwest monsoon critical for irrigation drinking water supply and hydropower generation in the coming weeks. According to the latest data released by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the country’s 166 monitored reservoirs contained 51.92 billion cubic metres of water as of June 11, 2026, compared to their total live storage capacity of 183.56 billion cubic metres.
While the overall storage level is 15.8 per cent higher than the long term average for this time of year, it remains 8.17 per cent lower than the 56.53 billion cubic metres recorded during the same period in 2025. The uneven distribution of water across different regions is emerging as a major concern, particularly in eastern and southern India, where reservoir levels are lagging behind both normal and last year’s figures.
Eastern and Southern States Face Growing Water Pressure
The eastern region, comprising states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and several northeastern states, currently has only 21.77 per cent of its reservoir capacity filled. This is lower than both last year’s level of 24.57 per cent and the normal storage level of 24.22 per cent. Experts warn that although agriculture in these states largely depends on rainfall, low reservoir storage could create challenges for irrigation and drinking water supply if monsoon rains weaken or are delayed.
Southern India is also witnessing water stress. Reservoirs across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are currently at just 20.98 per cent capacity. This is significantly lower than the 34.93 per cent recorded during the same period last year and slightly below the normal level. Several important reservoirs are showing alarming storage levels. Karnataka’s Bhadra reservoir is at only 3.17 per cent of its normal storage, while Kabini stands at 17.08 per cent. Tamil Nadu’s Vaigai reservoir has fallen to 10.88 per cent of normal storage, highlighting the region’s dependence on a strong monsoon season.
Northern and Western Regions Show Better Storage Levels
In contrast, northern and western India are in a relatively comfortable position. Reservoirs in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan are at 33.64 per cent capacity, higher than both last year’s levels and the long term average. Western states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa have reservoirs filled to 31.13 per cent of capacity, also above normal levels despite localized shortages in some areas.
The central region which includes Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, has reservoirs at 35.09 per cent capacity, making it one of the better-performing regions in the country.
However CWC data also reveals significant local concerns. Several reservoirs, including Jharkhand’s Chandan Dam, Maharashtra’s Bhima-Ujani reservoir, Uttar Pradesh’s Maudaha reservoir and Uttarakhand’s Nanak Sagar reservoir, are virtually empty compared to their normal storage levels. Overall, 37 reservoirs have less than half the water they held at the same time last year, while 25 reservoirs are storing less than 50 per cent of their normal levels.
The report also notes that water storage is below normal in several river basins, including east flowing rivers between the Mahanadi and Pennar, as well as the Barak basin. Additionally nine out of 20 hydropower project reservoirs have water levels at or below normal, which could impact electricity generation if reservoir levels fail to improve.
With reservoir storage levels still low across large parts of the country, the performance of the ongoing monsoon season will play a decisive role in ensuring adequate water availability for agriculture, drinking purposes and power production in the months ahead.