Jaipur: Rajasthan is heading into the peak summer season with growing concerns over water availability, as storage levels in the state’s major reservoirs have fallen sharply to 52.24% of total capacity, according to official water resource data. The steep decline from post-monsoon levels has raised alarm among authorities, especially as the state braces for intense heat conditions and rising demand for drinking water and irrigation.
Officials said the current storage stands at 6,806.389 million cubic metres (Mcum) out of a total capacity of 13,029.091 Mcum, indicating that nearly half of the stored water has already been utilised within a few months after the monsoon season. The drop is being viewed as significant because Rajasthan typically depends heavily on surface water storage to meet its seasonal requirements, particularly during summer.
The data further reveals a concerning distribution pattern across the state’s water bodies. Out of 693 reservoirs, 227 are already completely empty, while 452 are partially filled and only 14 remain fully filled. Smaller reservoirs are drying up faster, with several critical water bodies showing very low storage levels. Officials noted that this uneven distribution is creating localized stress in multiple districts.
The situation is particularly severe in western Rajasthan, where districts such as Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur have recorded average dam levels around 25%, far below safe thresholds. These regions, already prone to arid conditions, are witnessing increased dependence on tanker water supply as natural sources continue to decline.
In Jaipur district and surrounding areas, the impact is already visible. While a few reservoirs like Kanota dam still hold adequate water, others are under severe stress. For instance, Khard dam stands at just 16.99% capacity, Hingonia at 5.09%, Ramsagar (Newta) at 30.58%, and Patan reservoir is completely dry, highlighting the sharp contrast in water availability within a single region.
Officials have also linked the situation to rising temperatures, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting heat levels approaching 45°C in several parts of the state. The combination of extreme heat and limited water availability is expected to significantly increase demand in the coming weeks, further straining supply systems.
Residents in both rural and urban areas are already experiencing early signs of scarcity. In western districts, water tanker supply intervals have increased, while in cities like Jaipur, households are reporting reduced water pressure and shorter supply durations during peak hours. Public water points are also witnessing longer queues as demand rises with the onset of summer.
Authorities have warned that if reservoir levels continue to decline, the state may have to implement strict water regulation measures, including controlled distribution schedules and conservation advisories. Officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure drinking water supply remains a top priority across districts.
Experts have pointed out that Rajasthan’s water stress is a recurring seasonal challenge due to its arid geography, limited rainfall retention capacity, and high dependence on surface water storage systems. They have stressed the need for stronger long-term strategies such as improved catchment management, rainwater harvesting, and reduction in wastage to stabilise water availability.
With summer still intensifying, Rajasthan now faces a critical phase where efficient water management will be essential to avoid severe shortages and ensure uninterrupted supply across the state.
