Water storage in Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati basins better than 10 years average:CWC

New Delhi, 24 May 2013

As per the basin wise data taken by Central Water commission on 25.03.2013, the storage position in Ganga, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Indus Sabarmati Godavari and Mahanadi & Neighbouring EFRs basins is better than average of previous 10 years. West Flowing Rivers of South basins are close to normal whereas Rivers of Kutch, Krishna and Cauvery & Neighbouring EFRS basins are deficient.

Central Water commission is monitoring storage position of 84 important reservoirs spread all over the country, of which as many as 37 reservoirs are having significant hydro-power benefits with installed capacities of more than 60 MW each. The combined live storage in these 84 reservoirs at the beginning of monsoon i.e. 1.6.2012 was 19% of their designed capacity and stood at 27% of designed capacity as on 25.03.2013. The present storage is 99% of last year’s storage and 119% of last 10 years average storage during the same period. Out of these 84 reservoirs there are presently 36 reservoirs where this year’s storage is 80% or less of the average of previous 10 years and in remaining 48 reservoirs the storage is more than 80% of the average of previous 10 years. In order to derive the best possible benefits from the available water, Central Water Commission is keeping in touch with the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation and providing information of the weekly storage position to the Crop Weather Watch Group for evolving suitable crop strategies and also appraising the situation to various Departments and Ministries involved in Water Resources Planning.

Out of 37 reservoirs with significant hydro potential, 13 reservoirs have storage build up less than or equal to the average of last 10 years.