Why water reserves in southern India are fast depleting in 2023
- November 18, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Why water reserves in southern India are fast depleting in 2023
Subject : Geography
Section: Physical geography
Context:
- According to a recent report from the Central Water Commission (CWC), water levels in India’s Southern states’ reservoirs are low compared to last year and compared to other regions of the country in 2023.
Details:
- During normal monsoon years over the country, the available water reserves in southern India touch 91 per cent of the total storage capacity.
| State | Reservoir stocks (% of total storage capacity) |
| Andhra Pradesh | -51 |
| Karnataka | -38 |
| Kerala | -16 |
| Telangana | +33 |
Reservoirs of South India are:
- Andhra Pradesh- Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Somasila, Yeleru, Kandaleru, Donkarayi.
- Karnataka- Krishnaraja Sagar, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Linganamakki, Narayanpur, Malaprabha, Hemavathy, Mani dam, Almatti, Tattihalla,
- Kerala- Malampuzha, Idukki,
- Tamil Nadu- Lower Bhawani, Mettur, Aliyar, Sholayar
Why are the stocks low?
- Vast inter-seasonal rainfall variability,
- Large-scale rainfall deficits during monsoon,
- October over southern peninsular India remained the sixth driest in 123 years,
- Development of cyclone Hamoon,
Impact:
- Irrigated farming can face water unavailability
- Water deficit in high water-intensive paddy cultivation in Andhra and Tamil Nadu region.
- Lack of availability of drinking water
Source: Indian Express