India, Oct. 19 -- India's reservoirs are 31% below full capacity post-monsoon, with southern states facing acute water shortages.

Major reservoirs like Aliyar, Somasila, and Mettur report critically low levels, raising concerns over irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower.

Regional disparities highlight severe deficits in Pennar and Cauvery basins, while Narmada and Mahanadi basins show surplus storage.

Monsoon 2026 has ended, but many of India's reservoirs have not filled to capacity. Across the country's 178 major reservoirs, water storage remains about 31 per cent below full capacity, raising concerns over water availability in the coming months.

According to the Central Water Commission's (CWC) Reservoir Storage Bulletin releas...