Gujarat stares at water woes ahead of monsoon as 88 reservoirs below 20% capacity

As Gujarat awaits the arrival of the monsoon amid scorching summer heat, the state is now facing an alarming water situation. The average water level across Gujarat’s 207 reservoirs has dropped to 55.24%, while 88 reservoirs have less than 20% storage.

Adding to the concern, 10 major reservoirs have completely dried up, raising fears of a possible drinking water and irrigation crisis if the monsoon is delayed or weaker than expected.

Rajkot’s Aji-2 reservoir is currently the only reservoir in the state with water storage above 90%. Other reservoirs with relatively better water levels include Hanol in Bhavnagar at 88.93%, Vansol in Surendranagar at 87.15%, Wanakbori in Mahisagar at 86.89% and Ranghola in Bhavnagar at 83.75%.

Meanwhile, the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river currently has 70.92% water storage, offering some relief ahead of the monsoon.

Several reservoirs in Porbandar, Junagadh, Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Surendranagar districts, including Saran, Prempara, Kaila, Amipur, Gadhki and Nimbani, have reportedly gone completely dry.

Officials fear that if the monsoon does not arrive on time or records below-normal rainfall, many parts of Gujarat could face severe water shortages in the coming months.