India records 13% rainfall deficit overall, but uneven distribution leaves large parts of the country facing drought-like conditions; low reservoir levels raise concerns over irrigation, drinking water and hydropowerNew Delhi. The southwest monsoon of 2026 has officially withdrawn, but the season's rainfall pattern has raised concerns over water availability, agriculture and power generation in several parts of India. Although the country recorded an overall rainfall deficit of around 13 per cent against the seasonal average, the highly uneven distribution of rain has left large areas facing drought-like conditions.While some regions witnessed exceptionally heavy rainfall, several states experienced prolonged rainfall shortages. The contrasting weather pattern has added to concerns among farmers, water managers and the power sector as the country enters the post-monsoon period.Reservoir Levels Remain a Major ConcernData from the Central Water Commission (CWC), as cited in the report, indicate that water storage in 178 major reservoirs stood at around 70.67 per cent of their combined live storage capacity.The reported storage level is around 21 per cent lower than the corresponding period last year and about 11.5 per cent below the normal average.At least 21 major reservoirs were reported to be less than half full. Five of them are located in Telangana, four in Gujarat and three in Maharashtra.The situation is particularly concerning in southern India, where reservoir storage was reported to be 33.2 per cent below normal. Northern reservoirs were also around 21.72 per cent below their normal storage levels.Marathwada Faces Acute Water StressMarathwada has emerged as one of the regions facing significant water stress. Reservoirs in the region, which normally have around 81 per cent storage by this time of the year, were reported to have only about 46 per cent water.Authorities have already begun preparing for a possible shortage by taking control of around 500 wells and deploying 246 water tankers, according to the report.The situation could put additional pressure on drinking water supplies and agriculture during the coming months.Low Reservoir Storage Could Hit Hydropower GenerationThe impact of inadequate reservoir storage is not limited to irrigation and drinking water. Major reservoirs also play an important role in India's electricity generation.Hydropower contributes around 11 per cent of the country's total electricity generation. According to the report, five of the 20 major reservoirs associated with power generation were holding significantly less water than normal.Lower rainfall was also linked to a decline in hydropower generation. Electricity generation reportedly fell by around 21 per cent year-on-year in June and 12 per cent in August.With hydropower output under pressure, thermal power plants had to contribute additional generation, increasing dependence on coal during the monsoon period.Weather Pattern Raises Concerns for Winter and SummerThe report also links the unusual weather pattern to the ongoing El Niño conditions and cites expectations that its influence could continue into early 2027.Meteorological experts quoted in the report have warned that the coming winter could be relatively warmer, with fewer cold-wave days, while temperatures could begin rising earlier than usual.September 2026 was reportedly the fifth-warmest September in India since records began in 1901. Southern India experienced its warmest September on record for the same period.Irrigated States May Have Some ProtectionThe impact of the rainfall deficit is unlikely to be uniform across the country. States with extensive canal irrigation systems, including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, could be relatively better positioned to manage the water shortage in the short term.However, non-irrigated areas of Marathwada, Vidarbha, western Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat could face greater pressure on drinking water supplies and agriculture if the shortage persists.The end of the monsoon therefore does not mark the end of the water challenge. Reservoir storage, groundwater availability, irrigation demand and power generation will remain key factors in determining how severely different regions experience the consequences of the uneven 2026 monsoon.
