India's water reservoirs touch 19% of capacity

NEW DELHI: The water levels in the country's main reservoirs during the week to June 7 stood at 19% of capacity, witnessing 5% points from the year ago period, according to Centre.

The recent reservoir level is above the 10-year average of 15% for the June-7 week as compared to last year's average rains.

Reports suggest that reservoirs hold significance for hydropower, which is responsible for a quarter of India's generation capacity. They also offer water later in the year for the irrigation of winter crops like wheat and rapeseed.

India's monsoon rainfall stood at 36% below average during the week to June 6 as the seasonal rains failed to arrive on June 1 in South India.