16% of Forest Water Bodies in India Have Dried Up Due to El Niño and Weak Monsoon
16% of Forest Water Bodies in India Have Dried Up Due to El Niño and Weak Monsoon
IN · Published Nov 14, 2026
• India has experienced a significant decline in forest water bodies, with 16% of them either dried up or rendered unusable, according to a report by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• This is attributed to the combined effects of a weak monsoon and the intensifying impact of El Niño.

Impact & Risks

The drying up of forest water bodies has severe consequences for both humans and wildlife. Villages near forests are facing water shortages, and wildlife such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and monkeys are venturing into human settlements in search of water, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts. This has resulted in property damage, crop destruction, and life-threatening encounters. The drying of water sources also poses risks to bird populations and increases the likelihood of heatwaves and forest fires, further endangering wildlife and their habitats.

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