Water storage in India’s key reservoirs

Context

Water storage in India’s key reservoirs was down to just 23 per cent of their total capacity amid a relentless heatwave in many parts of the country.

 Key Highlights

• As per facts released by the Central Water Commission (CWC) for 150 most important reservoirs.
• At least 8 reservoirs had 0 storage, These had been in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh (AP), and Uttarakhand.
• There have been four others which had much less than 10 per cent storage — within the states of AP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• The southern region — consisting of AP, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu — was the most affected. 
• In the northern, eastern, and relevant area, available storage was simply 30 per cent, 28 per cent, and 29.1 percent respectively of the total capacities of reservoirs.
• Storage in the Ganga river basin was just 31.99 per cent of its ability. 

Causes 

• The overall higher decline in reservoirs across India is attributed under common monsoon rainfall last year. Less monsoon rains method less garage in those reservoir at some point of the wet season and more withdrawal of water for the duration of the post-monsoon period, both for drinking and irrigation purposes,
• The depleting water level is attributed to decreased rainfall due to the El Nino weather phenomenon  resulting in insufficient rainfall in India, and leading to water scarcity in a few regions, except droughts and extended dry periods across Asia.

Impacts 

• The river structures in India provide water for irrigation, ingesting and home intake as well as reasonably-priced transportation and energy. 
• Water scarcity inside the river basins gravely influences the socio-financial situations, livelihoods and agricultural pastime of the regions, that are depending on the rivers for water supply.
• The low water availability in reservoirs can have an effect on the yields of summer time crops (sown among the Rabi and Kharif seasons).

Steps 

• Water sources tasks are planned, funded, done and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priorities. 
• In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, the Government of India provides technical and monetary help to encourage sustainable improvement and efficient management of water assets through numerous schemes and programmes.
• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater-2020 has been prepared by using CGWB in session with States/UTs that is a macro stage plan indicating various structures for the specific terrain situations of the country.
• Prime Minister of India released the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” (JSA:CTR)

Way Forward 

• Farmers are hopeful about the forecast of an ‘above ordinary’ southwest monsoon in order that it brings sufficient rains for them to efficiently adopt sowing of the Kharif crop.
• Due to significant changes in temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall in India, there is a need for adequate storage of water within the Country. 

Source: The Down to Earth

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)

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