Pakistan’s largest water reservoirs, Tarbela and Mangla dams, are nearing critically low water levels, raising concerns over severe shortages for drinking and farming.
Tarbela Dam’s water level has dropped to 1,402.09 feet, barely above its “dead level” of 1,402 feet, where it can no longer release water through normal outlets. Similarly, Mangla Dam stands at 1,054 feet, just 4 feet above its dead level of 1,050 feet.
Authorities report water scarcity has already worsened, with shortages reaching 41% at river stations and 50-55% at canal networks.
The Indus River in Sindh has nearly dried up, worsening drought risks in 13 districts, including Karachi and Hyderabad.
Farmers fear major losses to Rabi season crops like wheat, while upcoming Kharif crops such as cotton and sugarcane face uncertainty if rains are delayed.
To protect Mangla Dam’s power turbines from silt damage, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has begun storing 3,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water daily.
Current inflows at Mangla are 23,236 cusecs, with outflows at 20,351 cusecs. Tarbela’s inflows remain low at 13,800 cusecs, with higher outflows of 20,000 cusecs to meet demand.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts rising temperatures after April 10 may melt glaciers, boosting water flows in the Indus Basin. If accurate, shortages during the Kharif season could ease to 20-25%.
However, total national water storage is alarmingly low at 0.086 million acre-feet, stressing urgent conservation efforts.
Officials urge farmers and communities to use water sparingly as the country braces for prolonged scarcity. Immediate rainfall or improved inflows are critical to avoid long-term agricultural and economic damage.