India's 166 major reservoirs held 51.92 billion cubic metres (BCM) of live storage

India's 166 major reservoirs held 51.92 billion cubic metres (BCM) of live storage

¨     India's 166 major reservoirs held 51.92 billion cubic metres (BCM) of live storage.

¨     This was 28.28% of their total live storage capacity of 183.56 BCM.

¨     The Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors weekly water storage levels in 166 major reservoirs across India's river basins.

¨ Reservoir storage data is used for drinking water supply, irrigation planning, and hydropower generation.

¨     Live storage refers to the usable volume of water between the Minimum Drawdown Level (MDL) and the Full Reservoir Level (FRL).

¨     As of 15 June 2026, reservoirs in Southern India were at 20.98% of their total capacity.

¨     Reservoirs in Eastern India were below both last year's level and the normal seasonal level.

¨  Reservoirs in Northern and Central India were in a better position than during the same period in 2025.

¨     India received 46.2 mm of rainfall during the first 17 days of June 2026, against the normal 74.3 mm.

¨  As of 20 June 2026, the cumulative southwest monsoon rainfall deficit stood at nearly 40%.

¨ Reduced rainfall may adversely affect irrigation, drinking water availability, and hydropower generation

¨   Low reservoir storage poses a significant challenge for agriculture, water security, and energy production in the country.