Water Shortage Crisis in Pakistan as Mangla and Tarbela Dams Reach Critical Levels

Pakistan is facing a severe water shortage across various regions due to a lack of rainfall this season. As per recent reports, the water level in the Mangla Dam has dropped to the “dead level,” prompting authorities to stop the release of water.

WAPDA officials stated that the water level at Mangla has reached 1050 feet, and the release of water has been suspended. Similarly, the Tarbela Dam is also struggling with a water shortage, with the water level just 3 feet above the dead level and expected to reach the dead level within the next 36 hours.

According to WAPDA spokespersons, the current water storage at Tarbela is 15,000 acre-feet, while Mangla holds 72,000 acre-feet. Additionally, the flow of water in key rivers has significantly decreased, with water inflow and outflow at critical levels.

In the Indus River at Tarbela, the water inflow is 22,200 cusecs, while outflow is 20,000 cusecs. In the Jhelum River at Mangla, the inflow is 19,900 cusecs, and outflow is 28,000 cusecs. In the Chenab River at Head Marala, the inflow is 10,800 cusecs, and outflow is 6,100 cusecs. At the Kabul River in Nowshera, inflow and outflow are both 14,300 cusecs.

This situation has led to concerns about the potential impact on agriculture and drinking water supply in the country. The water shortage crisis has been exacerbated by the near absence of rainfall this season, with only some rain and snowfall in the northern areas during February and March.

If the situation does not improve, it could have severe consequences for the agricultural sector and affect the daily water supply for the population.