Amidst the intense summer heat, water levels in Gujarat’s reservoirs have dropped by more than 50%. In 54 reservoirs, the water level has now fallen below 10%, and six of them have completely dried up. As a result, many rural areas have become dependent on water tankers.

As of May 17 last year, the state had 43% water storage, whereas this year, the situation is slightly better. Currently, reservoirs with over 70% water storage include Aji-2, Bhadar-2, Nyari-2 (Rajkot), Machhu-2 (Morbi), Vanakbori (Mahisagar), Dholi Dhaja (Surendranagar), Kalaghogha (Kutch), Ozat-Vir (Junagadh), Sukhi (Chhota Udepur), and Dholi (Bharuch).

Kutch has the lowest water storage at just 30.08%. Reservoirs like Kaila, Rudramata, Kaswati, and Mathal have water levels below 10%. Just a month ago, on April 17, Kutch had 38% water storage, meaning an 8% drop in one month. In addition, 141 reservoirs in Saurashtra currently hold only 31.46% of their capacity, indicating a concerning situation for both Kutch and Saurashtra.

Major Reservoirs Also Depleting

Several large reservoirs with water levels below 50% include Sipu (Banaskantha), Machhu-2 and Brahmani (Morbi), Hathmati (Aravalli), Shetrunji (Bhavnagar), Dharoi-Kadana (Mehsana), Bhadar (Rajkot), Ukai (Tapi), and Damanganga (Valsad). Despite the significant decline, authorities claim the state won’t face a water crisis. On a positive note, the monsoon is expected to arrive early this year, and the weather department is optimistic about a normal to above-normal rainfall season.