Scanty rains push down water levels in reservoirs by 40 pc

The water level in most of the reservoirs in the country is less than 40 per cent due to lack of rains. This is bound to affect rabi crops. The first week of July is about to pass, but monsoon rains are still below normal in most parts of the country.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data till July 4, monsoon rains have been 9 per cent less than normal. Due to this, the water level in three-fourths of the country's reservoirs is less than half of their capacity. This may have a bearing on irrigation of crops and availability of drinking water in Rabi season.

The data presented by the Central Water Commission (CWC) in the meeting held on July 3 of the Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG), under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers, states that out of 146 important reservoirs in the country, 110 reservoirs water level is 40 per cent or less of their potential. These reservoirs are monitored by the CWC. According to the report, 146 reservoirs had 47.95 billion cubic meters of water as on June 30, which is only 27 per cent of their total capacity of 178.185 billion cubic metres. It has been said in the report that this situation has arisen due to less water in the reservoirs of South Indian states.

According to the latest IMD data, till July 4, south peninsular India has received 39 per cent less rainfall than normal. Among the southern states, Telangana is the worst-hit with 53 per cent less rainfall than normal. Kerala has received 52 per cent less rainfall than normal, South Karnataka has received 51 per cent, North Karnataka 45 per cent and Coastal Karnataka 38 per cent less than normal.

Talking about other parts of the country, East and North East India have received 16 per cent less rainfall than normal. Central India has received 6 per cent less rainfall than normal. Marathwada and Vidarbha in Maharashtra are worst in central India. It has received 64 per cent and 56 per cent less rainfall respectively. The northwest region of the country is the only one where monsoon rains this year have been 37 per cent more than normal.

Due to this situation of monsoon rains, the water level in the reservoirs of the country is low. The CWC report states that the water level in the reservoirs till June 30 is 98 per cent as compared to the same period last year. However, it is 110 per cent compared to the average level of the last 10 years.

According to the report, the water level in 81 reservoirs is more than 80 per cent of normal, while in 16 reservoirs it is more than 30 per cent. There are 6 reservoirs which have dried up.