India’s reservoir storage levels declined significantly by mid-May 2026, with 13 major reservoirs falling below 50% of normal capacity, according to Central Water Commission data.

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• Central Water Commission monitored 166 major reservoirs across India for storage assessment.
• Total live storage declined from 71.082 BCM on 30 April 2026 to 63.232 BCM on 14 May 2026.
• Current storage level stood at 34.45% of the total reservoir capacity.
• Thirteen major reservoirs recorded storage below 50% of normal levels.
• Chandan Dam in Jharkhand recorded 0.00% storage on 4 May 2026.
• Reservoirs in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal showed critical levels.
• Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu fell below its critical storage threshold.
• Southern region had the highest stress, with 36 reservoirs below 40% capacity.
• States like Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh showed lower levels than previous year.
• Northern region reservoirs in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan held around 41.37% storage.
• Declining storage levels raise concerns over irrigation, drinking water and power generation.
• Despite regional shortages, national storage remained about 124% of normal level for this period.