Despite rains, reservoirs have less than average water level in southern states

Parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been witnessing heavy rainfall.

Despite heavy rains and a good monsoon, reservoirs across southern States have low water levels. Out of the 31 reservoirs in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala monitored by the Central Water Committee, live water storage capacity is merely 16.44 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM). The current water level is just 32 per cent as against the capacity of 51.59 per cent.

Parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been witnessing heavy rainfall over the last week. While the rains were a welcome sign, they have done little to replenish reservoirs that are important to ensure water supply for the states until next monsoon. The live storage in all of the 31 reservoirs during the same time last year was 44 per cent. The average for the last ten years in 62 per cent. This year, the live storage capacity is lower than last year's a well as the average of the last ten years.

According to Chennai Metro water data, Poondi reservoir has 140 feet water as against the full capacity of 3,231 feet. Water level at Cholavaram reservoir is at 64.50 feet as against 881 feet.

The water level in three reservoirs in Maharashtra and one shared by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is at 0 per cent, which means dead storage. The water in the reservoirs cannot be disbursed. Tamil Nadu has recovered from low rainfall in July with August rains raising hopes but water levels in reservoirs are still low. Water is being released to the state from upper riparian Karnataka via the KRS dam. Reservoirs in Kerala, however, paint a grim picture with water levels lower than 30 per cent of full capacity.

OneIndia News