Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Monsoon rains have boosted water inflows into Himachal Pradesh’s reservoirs, but three of the state’s key water and hydropower projects are still significantly below their full storage levels. The shortfall could become important for irrigation and electricity generation across northern India if rainfall does not improve in the remaining monsoon period.
The Bhakra and Pong reservoirs, which are crucial to the water supply network of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, are both carrying less water than their maximum levels. Nathpa Jhakri has also recorded a substantial year-on-year decline.
Bhakra remains nearly 20 metres below maximum
The Bhakra reservoir on the Sutlej River stood at 492.17 metres on August 11. The level was 502 metres on the same date last year.
With the reservoir’s full capacity at 512.07 metres, the current level is around 19.9 metres short of maximum storage.
The Bhakra system is particularly important for downstream states. Water from the project is regulated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board and is used for irrigation as well as other requirements in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.
Pong storage also trails capacity
Pong Dam, constructed on the Beas River, is facing a similar situation. Its water level was recorded at 411.26 metres on August 11, compared with 419.365 metres a year earlier.
The reservoir has a maximum level of 423.67 metres, leaving it approximately 12.41 metres below capacity.
Apart from producing electricity, the Pong reservoir plays an important role in meeting irrigation requirements in Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana.
Nathpa Jhakri sees sharp annual fall
The Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project has seen the most notable decline compared with last year’s level.
The reservoir stood at 1,473.65 metres on August 11, while the corresponding figure in 2025 was 1,492.08 metres. This represents a fall of 18.43 metres over the year.
Power generated by the project is supplied to the Northern Region grid, benefiting multiple states and Union Territories, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.
Why reservoir storage matters
The water accumulated during the monsoon is critical not only for the immediate season but also for the months that follow. Higher reservoir levels allow hydropower projects to maintain generation after the rains recede and provide a dependable source of water for agriculture.
Adequate storage is particularly important from September through December, when downstream states continue to require water for irrigation and hydropower generation remains an important component of the regional electricity supply.
Rainfall in coming weeks will be crucial
The comparatively low storage levels have been linked to weaker water inflows during the current monsoon. If the state receives substantial rainfall in the remaining weeks of the season, reservoir levels could improve.
However, another prolonged period of below-normal rainfall could leave the reservoirs with less water going into the post-monsoon months.
For Himachal Pradesh and the neighbouring states dependent on these projects, the focus will therefore remain on rainfall and inflow trends as the monsoon progresses. The final reservoir position at the end of the season is likely to determine the availability of water for irrigation and the scope for hydropower generation in the months ahead.
