The undeniable panoramic view of the lakes in Himachal Pradesh, may suffer as the state experiences a 35% rain deficiency left behind by the southwest monsoon this year leading to low level of water in reservoirs. Relying primarily on rain water, melting snow and glaciers for its water supply, the lakes and reservoirs of the hilly state may witness an alarming situation if the water from these water bodies is not utilized judiciously.
Studded with lakes, Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for those who love water activities such as water-skiing, sailing, kayaking and water-scooter racing. Due to depleting water level of dams and reservoirs in the state, water storage that is later used for irrigation and portable drinking water and water related activities are expected to be affected.
The state of Himachal Pradesh boasts of dams and reservoirs that are the Bhakra Nangal Dam, the Pandoh Dam, Nathpa Jhakri Dam, Chamera Dam, Gobind Sagar Reservoir and the Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir.
Due to a poor monsoon season, many parts of the country have been hit with a rain deficiency and Himachal Pradesh was one of them. While the state observed a rain deficiency of 35%, Kangra district experienced a rain deficiency of 32 percent. The other pockets that are vital to the rising water levels in these reservoirs also reeled under high rainfall deficiency. Lahaul and Spiti had a rain deficiency of 78%, while it was 80% for Kinnaur district and 65% for Chamba district.
