Many parts of the country are entering a period of long and dry summer. As such, water levels in reservoirs and food grain storage are being closely monitored to ensure that irrigation, power generation and food supply are not affected by the heat.
Last week, the Meteorological Department issued a forecast of severe heat this year. In view of this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for adequate grain storage, fire audit and mock drills in hospitals. He asked the officials to keep an eye on the water level in the reservoirs.
This becomes all the more important given the grim forecast of El Nino and its likely impact on the country’s southwest monsoon. At present, nothing can be said with certainty about the effect of El Nino on the monsoon. The effect of El Nino is expected to be visible in the second half of the four-month southwest monsoon season starting June.
status of reservoirs
The water level in the reservoirs, as on March 9, is already lower than the same period last year. The good news is that the water level during this period is higher than the average of the last 10 years.
Of the 143 reservoirs monitored by the Central Water Commission, 18 have connected power projects. According to the March 9 reservoir bulletin, the water storage in the reservoirs is 86.449 billion cubic meters (BCM), which is 49 per cent of their total storage capacity. In the same period last year, 53 per cent water was available in these reservoirs against their total capacity.
However, the water available this year at 75.218 BCM is much higher than the average storage of last 10 years during the same period. Due to less than expected rainfall in most parts of the country this year, the water level in the reservoirs has reduced.
Rainfall across the country from January 1 to February 28 was about 45 per cent less than normal. Not only this, according to the Meteorological Department, the average monthly maximum temperature in the Indian region in February 2023 was the highest since 1901, while the average monthly minimum temperature was the fifth highest.
The mean minimum temperature in February was the second highest in north-west India, third highest for east and north-east and fifth highest over all India since 1901. This made February unusually dry and reduced water levels in reservoirs.
Region-wise, as on March 9, 2023, Central Water Commission data showed that except for 10 different reservoirs in North India, the water level in reservoirs in all other regions of the country was lower than last year. However, water levels in all areas were much higher than the 10-year average.
The Meteorological Department, in its forecast for March to May, had said that both maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal over most parts of east, northeast, central and northwest India. Only over South Peninsular India, both the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain normal or below normal.
grain storage
Prime Minister Modi, in his review meeting last week, had directed the Food Corporation of India to ensure adequate storage of food grains in case of adverse weather conditions.
It is very important to ensure storage of food grains to combat the scorching heat. Wheat procurement peaks in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and western Uttar Pradesh during the period March to May.
These are the states where the effect of heat is felt the most. Prolonged exposure to heat may deteriorate the quality of wheat lying in the open in mandis or elsewhere.
The Center has set a target of procuring 34.1 million tonnes of wheat from farmers in the upcoming season starting April, which is much higher than the actual procurement of around 19 million tonnes in 2022-23.
According to government data, the total storage capacity available with the Food Corporation of India and state agencies owned and appointed by January 2023 is 71.39 million tonnes. The food grain stock as on February 1, 2023 was 33 million tonnes.
However, with the commencement of wheat procurement, the government has enough space available for storage. Due to heavy offtake of wheat and rice under the Public Distribution System as well as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana during the last three to four years, the stock has been emptied. For the time being it seems that the government will be able to meet the challenges.
