Why Only 20 Gujarat Reservoirs Are Full as Storage Levels Plunge?

Irregular monsoon rainfall across Gujarat has triggered water availability concerns, leaving only 20 of the state’s 207 reservoirs completely full compared to 86 on the same date last year.

Data as of September 6 reveals that average water levels across state dams have slipped to 74.89%, down from 86.64% recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Western and Northern Districts Hardest Hit

The water scarcity is most pronounced across Saurashtra, North Gujarat, and Kutch due to unequal precipitation patterns. Water storage in Kutch has dropped to a critical 23.88%, while North Gujarat stands at 42.64% and Saurashtra holds 50.25% capacity.

A total of 76 reservoirs across the state currently hold less than 25% of their capacity, reflecting a sharp slump in monsoon storage.

Out of the 20 dams filled to maximum capacity this season, 12 are located in Saurashtra, seven in South Gujarat, and one in Central Gujarat. This marks a steep decline from last year, when 62 reservoirs in Saurashtra, nine in South Gujarat, eight in Central Gujarat, four in Kutch, and three in North Gujarat were completely full by early September.

South Gujarat and Sardar Sarovar Offer Relief

Despite the widespread deficit in northern and western regions, South Gujarat and the state's largest dam offer a crucial buffer against immediate crisis.

South Gujarat’s reservoirs maintain a healthier average capacity of 77.82%. Meanwhile, the vital Sardar Sarovar reservoir currently stands at 90.31% capacity, providing much-needed stability to the state's overarching water grid despite erratic monsoon coverage elsewhere.