Advertisement
The Central Water Commission’s recent bulletin paints a grim picture for the southern region of India, with reservoir storage levels hitting a critical low of 17% of total capacity, raising concerns about water scarcity in the region.
The bulletin reveals that reservoirs in southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are experiencing a drastic decline in water storage, with only 17% of their total capacity currently available.
The alarming situation poses significant challenges for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation in the affected states, threatening the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people.
The report compares water storage levels across different regions of India, highlighting positive trends in the eastern region but indicating declines in the western, northern, and central regions as well.
While the eastern region shows improved storage levels compared to the previous year, the western region, including states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, faces storage levels below historical averages, exacerbating concerns over water scarcity.
The bulletin categorizes reservoir storage across various river basins, revealing disparities in water availability. River basins like Brahmaputra, Narmada, and Tapi are noted for better-than-normal storage levels, whereas others, like Cauvery and east-flowing rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar, are classified as highly deficient.
The dire situation underscores the pressing need for coordinated efforts by governments, stakeholders, and communities to address water scarcity issues, implement conservation measures, and ensure sustainable water management practices to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.
