ISLAMABAD (Azaad English): The two major hydroelectric reservoirs of Pakistan, Tarbela and Mangla dam, now approach serious water shortages which generate national water scarcity fears. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has issued vital alerts to provincial governments because the ongoing conditions show signs of decreasing water delivery through the remainder of the Rabi season by 30-35%.
IRSA reports that Tarbela and Mangla dams currently stand very close to their lowest operational water levels. At present the water level in Tarbela Dam measures 1,409.50 feet above the dead level of 1,402 feet. The water level at Mangla Dam currently reaches 1,088.45 feet which exceeds the 1,050 feet dead level. The ongoing dry conditions show indications of lowering these reservoir levels during the following days.
All provincial irrigation departments received official notification from IRSA about the urgent water shortage problem that threatens the Rabi season crop irrigation. The warning issued by the authority demands urgent action because the water deficit is projected to exist until substantial rainfall takes place. The scarcity of rainfall poses a potential danger to worsen the situation, which would exhaust water resources beyond current levels.
The water supply deficit in Punjab reached 20% and Sindh experienced a 16% reduction in water availability during the present day. The current water consumption rate in Sindh amounts to 27,000 cusecs whereas Sindh receives 25,000 cusecs of water. The current water supply amounts to 40,000 cusecs while Punjab needs 45,000 cusecs. The water deficiencies lead to major consequences for agricultural practices especially in flood-irrigation zones throughout both provinces.
The directorate of IRSA has declared all water discharges from dams will depend on available supply and there will be no additional water distribution. The conditions demand immediate action so provincial irrigation departments received directions to take appropriate steps for better water management.
The upcoming rainfall remains a source of hope for IRSA to help solve the crisis, however prolonged dry conditions will push dams toward dangerous “dead levels” that would generate disastrous effects on the nation’s water resources.
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