India’s parched rivers: At least 13 without water, much lower than same period last year

India’s parched rivers: At least 13 without water, much lower than same period last year

Subject: Geography

Sec: Indian  Phy Geo

Context:

• At least 13 rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar currently have no water, as per the Central Water Commission (CWC).
• They include Rushikulya, Bahuda, Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Sarada, Varaha, Tandava, Eluru, Gundlakamma, Tammileru, Musi, Paleru and Munneru.

Details:

• These rivers span Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha across 86,643 sq km, draining into the Bay of Bengal. Approximately 60% of this basin area is agricultural land.
• Key urban areas within the basin include Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, West Godavari, Srikakulam and Kakinada.
• Data shows a continuous decrease in basin storage, reaching zero by March 21, compared to last year’s 32.28% capacity around the same time.
• Andhra Pradesh and Telangana experienced ‘large deficits’ since March 1, with 65 and 67 per cent respectively.
• The water shortage in river basins adversely affects socio-economic conditions, livelihoods, and agriculture in the region.
• While Cauvery, Pennar, and other rivers also face water storage deficiencies, Ganga basin storage is below half its capacity, affecting millions in agricultural regions.
• Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Mahanadi, and Sabarmati basins have varying levels of storage capacity, with some considered ‘normal’ or ‘better than normal.’
• Significant portions of India are experiencing ‘abnormal’ to ‘exceptional’ drought levels, worsening compared to the previous year.
• India’s major reservoirs are at 36% capacity, with six completely dry and 86 below 40% capacity, predominantly in the southern states, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Source: DTE