India is witnessing the impact of a weak southwest monsoon this year, with below-normal rainfall leading to a sharp decline in water storage levels across the country’s major reservoirs, according to the latest data released by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The CWC’s reservoir storage bulletin, released on July 2, 2026, shows that the country’s 166 major reservoirs held 47.725 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water. During the same period last year, these reservoirs contained 78.077 BCM of water. This represents a 38.87% decline in water storage compared with last year, with current storage standing at only 61.13% of the previous year’s level.

The decline has been linked to a weak southwest monsoon. According to the IMD, India received 27% below-normal rainfall between June 1 and July 4. Against the normal average of 196.9 mm, the country recorded only 144.2 mm of rainfall during the period.

The rainfall deficit has been most severe in East and Northeast India, where precipitation was 41% below normal. Central India recorded a 23% deficit, Northwest India saw 20% below-normal rainfall, while South India received 15% less rainfall than usual.

The national capital, New Delhi, also experienced a significant shortfall. Between June 1 and July 3, the city received only 38.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 75.1 mm, marking a 49% deficit.

The impact of the weak monsoon is particularly evident in southern India. Reservoirs across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana have recorded the steepest fall in water levels. The CWC reported that water storage in 47 major reservoirs across southern states was 33.6% lower than last year as of July 2.

Water storage has also declined in other regions, with eastern India’s major reservoirs recording an 18.01% drop, western India 15.57%, and northern India 8.87% compared to the same period in 2025.

The latest figures highlight growing concerns over water availability for irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation if rainfall remains below normal in the coming weeks.

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