Deficient monsoon leaves India's reservoirs under pressure

India's 2026 Southwest Monsoon ended 12.6% below normal, with the southern peninsula recording a 24% deficit. Central Water Commission data shows 178 major reservoirs at 132.734 BCM, below last year's 166.856 BCM and the 10-year average. The Cauvery basin faces heightened water stress, raising concerns for Rabi irrigation and competition between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.