Low water level in Indian reservoir

Source-This post on Low water level in Indian reservoir has been created based on the article “Water level in more than half the key reservoirs at less than 40% capacity” published in “Live Mint” on 22 March 2024.

Why in the news?

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has recently reported that water level in more than half of India’s 150 major reservoirs is lower than 40% of the capacity.

What is the status of reservoir in India?

1. The water level in more than half of India’s 150 major reservoirs is lower than 40% of the capacity. The storage of water in two-third of reservoir is being less than 50%.

2. Andhra Pradesh (-69%) has the highest number of reservoir where water level is below normal. Further, the storage in Tamil Nadu was 30% lower than usual.

What are the reasons for low level of water in the reservoir?

1) The depleting water level in the country is attributed to lower rainfall caused by El Niño. This has resulted in drought and prolonged dry period in Asia amid the warming up of the Pacific Ocean.

2) During the post-monsoon period (October-December 2023), more than 50% of regions in the country were rain-deficient.

What will be the impact of low water level in Indian reservoir?

1) The falling water reservoir level negatively impact hydro power generation.

2) It may cause water crisis in central and southern cities.

3) The low reservoir level is likely to increase dependency of summer crops on rainfall. This may delay crop sowing in irrigated area.

Read more- Central Water Commission (CWC)

UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news & Indian economy (Agriculture)