Shimla: Despite the ongoing monsoon, major reservoirs in Himachal Pradesh have not reached their full storage levels, raising concerns over water availability for irrigation and hydropower generation in the months ahead.
Data from the state authorities shows that the Bhakra, Pong and Nathpa Jhakri reservoirs are all holding less water than their respective capacities. The shortfall could have implications beyond Himachal Pradesh, as these projects supply water and electricity to several states across northern India.
Bhakra Reservoir Still 19.9 Metres Below Capacity
The Bhakra Dam reservoir on the Sutlej recorded a water level of 492.17 metres on August 11, 2026. Its corresponding level on the same date last year was 502 metres.
The reservoir’s full capacity is 512.07 metres, leaving the current level around 19.9 metres below its maximum. The Bhakra system is particularly important for Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, with its water being managed through the Bhakra Beas Management Board for irrigation and other requirements.
Pong Dam Also Behind Full Storage Level
The situation at Pong Dam on the Beas is similar. The reservoir stood at 411.26 metres on August 11, compared with 419.365 metres on the same day in 2025.
With the dam’s maximum level at 423.67 metres, the reservoir was about 12.41 metres short of full capacity.
The Pong project is a key source of water for irrigation in Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, while also contributing to power generation.
Nathpa Jhakri Records Significant Year-on-Year Decline
The Nathpa Jhakri hydroelectric project has recorded another notable decline compared with last year.
Its water level was measured at 1,473.65 metres on August 11, against 1,492.08 metres a year earlier. The difference of 18.43 metres is the largest year-on-year fall among the three major projects highlighted in the data.
Electricity generated by the Nathpa Jhakri project is supplied to the Northern Region grid, benefiting states and Union Territories including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh.
Lower Reservoir Levels Could Affect Winter Water Availability
The significance of the current water position could become clearer after the monsoon. Reservoirs filled adequately during the rainy season provide water for power generation in the following months and help maintain supplies for irrigation.
A stronger storage position is particularly important from September to December, when hydropower generation remains significant and downstream states depend on regulated releases for agricultural needs.
However, below-normal rainfall has limited inflows into several reservoirs this season. If the remaining monsoon period does not bring substantial rainfall, the reduced storage could put additional pressure on water management in Himachal Pradesh as well as neighbouring Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Authorities will therefore be closely watching rainfall and reservoir inflows in the coming weeks, as the final storage position will determine the availability of water and hydropower during the post-monsoon period.
