Monsoon gains momentum, but majority of India's reservoirs still short on water

India's water security is under growing pressure despite an active monsoon, with the country's major reservoirs remaining far below capacity. According to the Central Water Commission, the 166 major reservoirs are currently at just 32.38 per cent of their total storage capacity, highlighting concerns over water availability in the months ahead. 

Water resources expert and former IAS officer Dr. Syamal Sarkar said the real challenge is not the amount of rainfall India receives but the country’s limited ability to store it. He noted that a large share of usable surface water flows away because storage infrastructure remains inadequate.

Experts also warn that climate change is making rainfall more erratic, while groundwater depletion, polluted water bodies and ageing urban infrastructure are worsening the crisis. They say reviving local lakes and ponds, treating wastewater and building decentralised water systems will be crucial to strengthening India’s water security in the coming years.