Bargi Dam left with only 13% water in Jabalpur:Delayed monsoon raises fears of drinking water shortage and reduced Narmada flow

The water level in Bargi Dam, one of the major reservoirs, has fallen steadily, leaving only about 13% of its storage remaining. Officials warn that if substantial rainfall does not arrive soon, the region could face a drinking water crisis in the coming weeks. The declining water level is also affecting the Narmada River, where rocks have begun to emerge at several ghats and reduced flow has led to deteriorating water quality. Narmada’s condition becomes a growing concern Considered the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River supplies water to Jabalpur and numerous surrounding towns and villages. However, a weak monsoon has put both the Bargi Dam and the river under increasing stress. The Bargi Dam’s elevation ranges from 402 metres to its full reservoir level of 422.75 metres above sea level, allowing for a total water storage depth of approximately 21 metres. According to Bargi Dam Project official Shailendra Rathore, the current water level stands at 407.65 metres, meaning only about 5 metres of usable water remain. During the monsoon, the reservoir typically fills up to 422.75 metres. Key figures on Bargi Dam water levels Limited hydropower generation reduces river flow Water is normally released into the Narmada River through the dam’s hydropower plant. However, one generating unit is currently shut down for maintenance, while the second is operating only for limited hours due to insufficient water availability. As a result, the flow of water into the river has been significantly reduced. Officials noted that a similar situation occurred three years ago. At the same time in 2025, the dam’s water level stood at 409.95 metres, compared with 407.65 metres this year. Despite the current concerns, authorities remain optimistic that if the monsoon becomes active, the reservoir level could rise to around 410 metres within just two days. Left bank canal opened for farmers In response to farmers’ demands during the summer season, the Bargi Left Bank Canal was opened on Tuesday morning. Approximately 10 cusecs of water are being released through the canal, which stretches around 137 kilometres and has the capacity to irrigate nearly 157,000 hectares of agricultural land.