El Niño brings water crisis to western India as reservoirs dry up

Western India is facing an acute water shortage as El Niño weather patterns intensify drought conditions across the region. Maharashtra has initiated water rationing in several districts to cope with critically low reservoir levels, while neighbouring Gujarat's dams remain far from full capacity despite being in the monsoon season.

The weather phenomenon has disrupted normal monsoon patterns, leaving agricultural communities and urban centres struggling with insufficient water supplies. Farmers in both states face potential crop losses as irrigation systems operate under severe constraints, with many wells and groundwater sources also running dry.

Reservoir levels across the region have fallen to alarming levels, prompting state authorities to implement strict water conservation measures. Officials warn that unless rainfall improves significantly in the coming weeks, the water crisis could intensify, affecting millions of residents across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The El Niño effect, which typically reduces monsoon rainfall over the Indian subcontinent, is expected to persist through the monsoon season. Water management authorities are urging citizens and industries to reduce consumption, while preparations are underway for possible emergency water supplies to affected areas.