India reservoir storage rises to 70.3% amid regional water gaps

All-India reservoir storage increased to 70.3% of capacity as of September 3, up from 67.8% the previous week. According to a report by Dolat Capital, the national storage position improved against the ten-year normal, with the departure narrowing to -3.3% from -3.7%.

Despite the national increase, significant regional disparities remain. Western India reported the highest storage at 81.2% capacity, while Central India saw its surplus widen to 80.6%. Eastern India also returned to a surplus, reaching 69.6% capacity.

In contrast, Southern India was the only region to experience a decline, with storage dropping to 56.8% and the deficit against normal deepening to -19.1%. Within the southern region, Telangana recorded the most significant shortfall, exceeding 43% below normal levels. Northern India's storage rose slightly to 62.7%, maintaining a -18.5% shortfall against the norm. The total seasonal rainfall shortfall for India remained unchanged at -14%.