storage of important reservoirs in the country

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Central Water commission is monitoring storage position of 76 important reservoirs spread all over the country, of which as many as 31 reservoirs are having significant hydro-power benefits with installed capacities of more than 60MW each. The combined live storage in these reservoirs at the beginning of monsoon i.e. 1.6.2004 was 13% of their designed capacity and is presently 21% of the designed capacity as on 21.04.2005. The present storage is 117% of last year’s storage and 94% of last 10 years average storage during the same period. Out of these 71 reservoirs there are presently 35 reservoirs where this year’s storage is 80% or less than 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 apprising the situation to various Departments and Ministries involved in Water Resources Planning.



2. Basinwise storage position as on 21.04.205 is as follows:



Better than average of previous 10 years in Indus, Mahi, Mahanadi & Neighbouring East Flowing Rivers and West Flowing Rivers of South.

80% or more than average of previous 10 years in Tapi and Krishna.



· Less than 80% of average of previous 10 years in Ganga, Narmada, Sabarmati, Rivers of Kutch, Godavari & Neighbouring East Flowing Rivers.



3. Out of 31 reservoirs with significant hydro potential, 18 reservoirs have storage build up less than the average of last 10 years capacity.



RKJ/AM