India, Nov. 13 -- India's 178 major reservoirs recorded a decline of 5.07 billion cubic metres (BCM) in water storage in a week, leaving them at 63.25% of their total usable capacity.

Nationwide reservoir storage is 29.65% lower than the corresponding period last year and 19.86% below normal, according to the Central Water Commission.

Southern India faces the sharpest shortfall, with its 50 major reservoirs holding just 39.74% of capacity, nearly 47% below normal storage levels.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have less than 40% of their reservoir capacity remaining, while northern India's storage is nearly 25% below normal.

Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan have declared several districts and administrative areas drought-af...