Water levels at two of the three major reservoirs in north-west India—Bhakra Dam and Thein Dam—have fallen below their respective 10-year averages, as the southwest monsoon remains delayed and pre-monsoon rainfall has been deficient across the region. Only Pong Dam continues to hold water above its normal level for this time of year, according to data released by the Central Water Commission (CWC) on June 25, 2026.
Bhakra Dam storage drops to 21.84% of capacity
Bhakra Dam, located on the Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh, currently holds 21.84% of its total storage capacity. This is below the 10-year average of 24.55% for the same period. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) reported that the water level at Bhakra on the morning of June 26 stood at 1,559.95 feet, against the maximum permissible level of 1,680 feet. Inflow was recorded at 17,341 cusecs, while outflow reached 29,650 cusecs—indicating a net loss of water. Earlier this month, the reservoir was at 29.60% capacity, and last week it stood at 25.22%.
Thein Dam storage also below normal
Thein Dam, built on the Ravi river in Punjab, is currently at 35.92% of its total capacity, compared with the 10-year average of 42.32% for this time of year. Last week, the dam held 41.13% of its capacity, and at the beginning of June it was at 53.38%. The water level was recorded at 1,756 feet, which is above the upper limit of 1,732 feet, indicating that the dam is still within safe operational limits but losing storage rapidly. BBMB officials noted that the reservoir is being drawn down to meet irrigation and power demands.
Pong Dam remains above average
In contrast, Pong Dam on the Beas river in Himachal Pradesh continues to hold water well above its normal level. The CWC data shows the dam is at 27.35% of its total capacity, significantly higher than the 10-year average of 18.45% for this date. Last week it was at 29.57%, and at the start of June it was 35.10%. The water level at Pong on June 26 was 1,319.62 feet, against the upper limit of 1,390 feet. Inflow was 3,665 cusecs and outflow was 16,855 cusecs, according to the BBMB.
National reservoir storage remains near normal
At the national level, the combined live storage in 166 major reservoirs monitored by the CWC stands at 48.40% of total capacity, slightly above the normal of 45.8% for this time of year. However, storage is deficient in the eastern and southern regions, the CWC data revealed.
BBMB follows 'Rule Curve' for water management
BBMB officials explained that water releases from Bhakra and Pong dams are governed by a 'Rule Curve' developed two years ago. This curve prescribes ideal water levels for different times of the year, factoring in meteorological forecasts over the catchment area, current storage levels, anticipated inflows, and water demands from member states. The rule curve can vary from season to season and year to year. Earlier this month, with above-normal storage levels, BBMB had advised states to maximise water use from the dams ahead of the monsoon to create 'flood cushioning'—a buffer against heavy inflows during the rainy season. The period from May to September is considered the filling period, when inflows increase due to snowmelt and rain. From autumn to early spring, inflows reduce substantially.
Monsoon activity remains weak in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal
The delayed monsoon has exacerbated the situation. The normal date for the monsoon to reach the eastern edge of Himachal Pradesh is June 20, but it has not yet entered Uttar Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already forecast that the 2026 monsoon will be below normal. Although parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have experienced intermittent showers in June due to western disturbances, the IMD has termed monsoon activity over Punjab and Haryana as 'weak'. Weather bulletins issued on June 26 indicate that monthly rainfall so far has been below the long-period average by 31% in Himachal Pradesh and by 30% in Punjab and Haryana. Varying amounts of rainfall are expected in all three states until July 2.
