Two major Pakistan dams approaching dead levels

In an alarming development, two major Pakistan dams – Tarbela and Mangla – are approaching dead levels, the Indus River System Authority revealed on Friday.

According to the Authority, provincial governments have been alerted about the critical water situation and new water distribution framework has been issued to manage the remaining Rabi season.

They estimated a 30 to 35 percent water shortage for Punjab and Sindh during the rest of the season.

IRSA stated that only the amount of water received in the dams will be released further, and irrigation departments of both provinces have been directed to take immediate measures.

Though the rainfall could improve the situation, but the authority warned that water level could reach dead levels within three to four days.

Currently, Tarbela Dam’s water level stands at 1,409.50 feet, while its dead level is 1,402 feet, meanwhile, Mangla Dam’s water level is at 1,088.45 feet, nearing its dead level of 1,050 feet.

IRSA’s spokesperson stated that Punjab and Sindh already faced water shortage of about 20 percent and 16 percent respectively during the ongoing Rabi season.

The water demand for Sindh stands at 27,000 cusecs, while it is receiving 25,000 cusecs, while Punjab’s demand is 45,000 cusecs, with 40,000 cusecs being supplied.

Authorities remain hopeful that upcoming rains could ease the crisis; however, they continue to monitor the situation closely.