India, April 10 -- Water levels in India's major reservoirs have fallen to below 45% of total capacity, latest data shows

Sharp decline recorded since February despite storage remaining higher than last year

Several reservoirs, including Chandan dam in Bihar, have reached critically low or zero levels

Southern India has seen the steepest drop, raising concerns ahead of peak summer

Most river basins are only half full or less, increasing the risk of water shortages

The Central Water Commission (CWC), which monitors 166 reservoirs and 20 river basins across India, has flagged a sharp decline in water levels in its latest bulletin issued on April 9, 2026.

The data shows that water availability in reservoirs and river basins across most...