Examining the Fluctuating Water Levels in India’s Reservoirs Amidst Extreme Weather Patterns
As a seasoned expert in water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy, I have closely monitored the trends in India’s water storage levels over the past few years. The data paints a concerning picture – the all-India water storage level in reservoirs was below average for almost all of the last 12 months, only rising above average towards the end of July 2024.
This alarming trend is deeply intertwined with the increasingly erratic weather patterns that have become the new normal across the country. Extreme weather events, characterized by unpredictable rainfall, intense heatwaves, and devastating floods, have taken a significant toll on water management and availability.
Understanding the Cyclic Patterns in Reservoir Storage Levels
To better contextualize the current situation, let’s first examine the typical cyclic pattern in the live storage levels of reservoirs across India. This trend is heavily influenced by seasonal changes and precipitation events.
Every year, from early July to mid-October, there is a clear upward trend in reservoir storage levels as the monsoon season progresses. Towards the end of June, just before the onset of the monsoon, the water levels in the reservoirs are typically at their lowest ebb. In the previous years, the lowest water levels recorded in June were between 45 to 55 billion cubic meters (BCM), whereas in 2024, it reached a concerning low of just 36.37 BCM, the lowest in many years.
This drastic drop in water levels has led to severe water shortages in several states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Gujarat, as reported by various media outlets. The situation underscores the growing strain on India’s water resources and the urgent need for comprehensive water management strategies.
Analyzing the Percentage Departure from Normal Storage
To better understand the fluctuations in water levels, we can examine the percentage departure of current storage from normal storage. This metric provides a clear and contextualized view of how the current reservoir levels compare to historical averages.
In the last one year, the data paints a concerning picture. Between August 2023 and July 2024, the overall water storage in the reservoirs dropped below the average of the last 10 years for the corresponding period. The storage was 14% below average on 06 September 2023, improving slightly to 4% below average as of 04 April 2024. However, the situation progressively worsened, reaching its lowest point in June 2024 at 15% below average.
Interestingly, this trend stands in stark contrast to the previous years. In 2020 and 2021, the lowest deviation from the average water level was -6% in the first week of August, respectively. Furthermore, the storage was more than average by 71% towards the end of June in 2020, and 43% more than average during the same period in 2021.
Regional Trends Reveal Disparities in Water Levels
A deeper dive into the regional trends paints an even more complex picture. While some regions have experienced above-average water storage, others have grappled with severe shortfalls.
The northern region, for instance, witnessed average or below-average storage for almost two years from August 2020 to July 2022, and again since January 2024 onwards. In contrast, between August 2022 and July 2023, the storage was above average, reaching up to 80% above average in July 2023.
The eastern region, on the other hand, has had a more tumultuous journey. The storage was nearly double the average in June 2020, but since then, it has dropped and remained below average for most of the time, with only occasional peaks.
Conversely, the western region has maintained average or above-average water storage in the reservoirs throughout the year, with the lowest level being a 13% shortfall in the first week of September 2021.
The central region, meanwhile, has witnessed a continuous rise in water levels compared to the average until June 2020, when the water level was double the average. Since then, the region has had average to above-average water levels (up to 30%) until June 2024. Following a 21% below-average storage in July 2024, the water level has now risen back to above average.
The southern region has followed a trend similar to the all-India levels, with below-average water levels between June 2023 and July 2024. However, in the monsoon of 2021 and 2022, the water level was 100% more than the average.
The Impact of Extreme Weather on Water Management
These fluctuating water storage levels are intrinsically linked to the extreme weather patterns that have become increasingly common in recent years. The erratic rainfall and intense heatwaves have caused water levels in dams and reservoirs to fluctuate wildly, with rapid increases during heavy downpours and dramatic drops during dry spells.
The devastating floods that swept through several regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Delhi, in the 2023 monsoon season, underscored the severity of these weather patterns. The resulting loss of life and infrastructure damage has only exacerbated the challenges faced by communities in managing their water resources.
Implications and the Way Forward
The data on water storage levels in reservoirs across India reveals the significant impact of extreme weather patterns on water management and availability. The sharp fluctuations in water levels, with peaks during the monsoon season and steep declines during dry spells, have made it increasingly difficult for authorities to ensure reliable water supply for agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs.
Moreover, the regional disparities in water levels highlight the complex nature of water resource management in a diverse country like India. Developing comprehensive, targeted strategies to address the unique challenges faced by different regions will be crucial in building resilience and ensuring equitable access to water.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it is essential to strengthen community engagement, promote water conservation practices, and invest in innovative technologies and infrastructure to enhance water security. By working closely with local stakeholders and leveraging the latest scientific data, we can develop and implement effective water management policies that can withstand the vagaries of extreme weather events.
The Joint Action for Water initiative is committed to being at the forefront of this crucial effort, empowering communities, advocating for policy change, and driving sustainable solutions that safeguard India’s precious water resources for generations to come.
Harnessing Data for Effective Water Resource Management
In the face of these daunting challenges, the role of data in informing and guiding water resource management strategies cannot be overstated. The comprehensive data on water storage levels in reservoirs, compiled by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and made available through India-WRIS, provides a powerful tool for understanding the evolving trends and patterns.
By analyzing this data, we can identify the regions and time periods most vulnerable to water scarcity, enabling targeted interventions and proactive planning. Moreover, the ability to compare current storage levels with historical norms, as reflected in the percentage departure from normal storage, offers crucial insights into the severity of the situation and the urgency of the required actions.
Conclusion
The data on all-India water storage levels in reservoirs paints a concerning picture, with levels remaining below average for almost all of the last 12 months. This alarming trend is inextricably linked to the increasingly erratic weather patterns that have become the new normal across the country, characterized by unpredictable rainfall, intense heatwaves, and devastating floods.
As we confront these challenges, the imperative to strengthen water resource management and build resilient communities has never been more pressing. By harnessing the power of data, fostering community engagement, and driving innovative solutions, we can work towards a future where India’s water security is assured, and every citizen has access to the essential resource that sustains life.
The Joint Action for Water initiative stands ready to partner with stakeholders across the country, to transform these insights into tangible action and secure a water-resilient future for all.
