India is witnessing a sharp decline in reservoir storage levels, with 13 major reservoirs now falling below 50% of their normal capacity, according to the latest Central Water Commission (CWC) data. The rapid depletion has raised concerns over future pressure on drinking water supply, irrigation needs and hydropower generation particularly as temperatures rise and monsoon uncertainties persist.
Storage falls by 8 BCM in just two weeks
CWC data shows that water stored in 166 monitored reservoirs declined from 71.082 billion cubic metres (BCM) on April 30, 2026, to 63.232 BCM on May 14, 2026. This represents a loss of nearly 8 BCM in just 14 days.
While current storage is still reported to be about 24% higher than the long-term average, the steep weekly decline signals growing stress across multiple basins.
Southern and eastern India face the sharpest decline
Reservoirs in southern and eastern India are showing the fastest deterioration. States including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana have multiple reservoirs now below half of their normal storage levels.
Tamil Nadu’s Vaigai reservoir has dropped to 12.47% capacity, while Aliyar stands at 21.25%. In Kerala, the Periyar reservoir is at 41.65%.
More severe cases include completely depleted reservoirs such as Chandan Dam in Bihar, Bhima Ujjaini in Maharashtra, and Maudaha reservoir in Uttar Pradesh, all reporting zero storage.
River basins under increasing pressure
Water stress is also visible at the basin level. The Ganga basin has declined to 43.34% storage, while the Godavari stands at 36.52% and the Narmada at 34.96%. The Krishna basin, already considered vulnerable, has fallen further to just 19.31%.
In the northeast the Barak basin continues to remain one of the most stressed systems. Eastern basins such as Brahmani-Baitarani, Cauvery, and Mahanadi-Pennar are also recording below normal levels.
Thirteen reservoirs below critical threshold
The number of reservoirs operating below 50% capacity has increased from nine to 13 within two weeks. These include:
• Khandong (Assam) – 17.42%
• Chandan Dam (Bihar) – 0%
• Tattahalla (Karnataka) – 26.27%
• Periyar (Kerala) – 41.65%
• Rajghat Dam (Madhya Pradesh) – 35.05%
• Bhima Ujjaini (Maharashtra) – 0%
• Aliyar (Tamil Nadu) – 21.25%
• Vaigai (Tamil Nadu) – 12.47%
• Priyadarshini Jurala (Telangana) – 39.49%
• Matatila (Uttar Pradesh) – 40.58%
• Maudaha (Uttar Pradesh) – 0%
• Tehri (Uttarakhand) – 20.85%
• Kangsabati (West Bengal) – 31.50%
In addition, 31 reservoirs are now at or below 80% storage, with most showing steady declines.
Climate and monsoon uncertainty add risk
Although the monsoon is expected to arrive early, meteorological concerns remain due to the possible influence of El Niño, which could reduce rainfall. Combined with rising temperatures and high demand for agriculture, drinking water, and electricity, this raises the risk of worsening water scarcity in the coming weeks.
CWC notes that current storage remains higher than last year and above the 10-year average, but experts warn that the speed of decline is critical. If the trend continues through May, several states could face severe stress on essential water supplies ahead of the monsoon season.