Shimla, Feb 10,
Notable lack of rain and snow these winters, as Himachal Pradesh is on the brink of a severe water crisis as major reservoirs in the state continue to deplete at an alarming rate. The latest report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued a warning, urging immediate action to mitigate the risk of drought. The crisis is largely attributed to an unprecedented 92% rainfall deficit over the past five months, exacerbating the already dire situation.
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According to the latest CWC report, the total live storage in four key reservoirs—Gobind Sagar (Bhakra Dam), Pong Dam, Kol Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam—has fallen drastically. The current storage stands at just 25.8% of their total capacity, a significant drop from 42.9% recorded during the same period last year. The Bhakra Dam’s Gobind Sagar Reservoir holds only 2.227 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water, a mere 36% of its total capacity, while Pong Dam has plummeted to just 19% of its full capacity. Ranjit Sagar Dam, which supplies water to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, is also facing a significant shortfall, with levels dipping to 28% of its storage capacity, raising concerns about meeting summer water demands. Kol Dam, a critical source for hydropower generation, is witnessing similarly distressing levels, jeopardizing the electricity supply to multiple states.
The water shortage is largely a consequence of erratic weather patterns and climate change. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted drastic fluctuations in precipitation trends, with excessive rainfall in 2022 followed by an extreme deficit in 2024 and early 2025. Climatic studies suggest that Himachal Pradesh’s average temperature has risen by 1.5°C over the past century, leading to accelerated glacier melting and reduced groundwater recharge. Consequently, natural springs, which serve as primary water sources for rural communities, are drying up at an alarming rate. Many villages in the upper reaches are now dependent on water tankers, which are proving inadequate given the scale of the crisis.
The declining water levels also pose a serious threat to hydroelectric power generation in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has already urged states to reassess their water consumption strategies in light of reduced inflows. With water availability significantly below normal levels, hydropower generation is likely to fall by up to 40% in the coming months. Punjab, heavily reliant on hydropower during peak summer months, could face severe electricity shortages, leading to increased dependence on thermal power, which in turn would raise electricity costs for consumers.
Additionally, the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the region’s economy, is at serious risk. Farmers in Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states are struggling to meet irrigation needs, with water-intensive crops like paddy and wheat being the most affected. The lack of sufficient snowfall in 2024 has further reduced the snowmelt contribution to river flows. The groundwater reserves are also under immense pressure, with over-extraction compounding the situation. The possibility of large-scale crop failures looms large unless immediate measures are taken to provide alternative irrigation sources. The looming water crisis also threatens horticulture, a significant contributor to the state’s economy, with apple orchards in the high-altitude regions already showing signs of stress due to reduced moisture availability.
Concerned stakeholders, including former Deputy Mayor and member of the Kerala Urban Commission Tikender Singh Panwar, have written to the Himachal Pradesh government, calling for immediate remedial measures. He recommend conducting an urgent audit of all water sources and supply systems to identify inefficiencies. Notably, repairing leaks—which account for up to 50% of water loss—could significantly optimize existing resources. Additionally, ensuring equitable water distribution across districts remains crucial, as some areas currently receive water only once every four to five days. The state government is being urged to implement emergency measures such as strict water rationing, repair of defunct water pipelines, and the promotion of alternative irrigation methods to reduce dependency on erratic rainfall patterns.
While short-term measures such as water rationing and repairing distribution networks are necessary, experts emphasize the importance of long-term strategies for sustainable water management. These include the promotion of rainwater harvesting, afforestation projects to enhance groundwater recharge, and stricter regulations on groundwater extraction. Additionally, policymakers are being urged to explore desalination and advanced water recycling techniques to mitigate future water shortages. With the water crisis intensifying, urgent and proactive measures are required to safeguard water security in Himachal Pradesh.
