India, June 15 -- India's 166 major reservoirs are at 28.28% of their total live storage capacity, according to the Central Water Commission.

Reservoir storage is 15.8% above normal for this time of year, but 8.17% lower than the same period last year.

Eastern India's reservoirs are below both last year's level and the normal level, raising concerns ahead of any prolonged rainfall gap.

Southern India's reservoirs are at 20.98% capacity, sharply lower than last year and slightly below normal.

Several reservoirs, including Chandan Dam, Bhima-Ujani, Maudaha and Nanak Sagar, are nearly empty compared with normal levels.

India's major reservoirs are only 28 per cent full, making the progress of the monsoon crucial for irrigation, drinking...