ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has warned provincial governments to conserve water as the country’s water levels are rapidly dropping and snowpack water is becoming scarce.
According to IRSA sources, Tarbela Dam’s water levels have been at a standstill for the past 53 days, effectively drying up the critical water reserve.
According to the sources, the provinces are currently suffering a worrying water shortage of 26%, leading the authority to order joint discharge measurements to determine the exact losses.
According to the reports, the Tarbela Dam is projected to stay empty until April 18 due to the slow melting process in mountainous areas that feed the country’s reservoirs.
The information also revealed that river water flow was 8,000 cusecs lower than the previous year.
In the meantime, water flow in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers has nearly stopped, with no discernible rise.
Similarly, Punjab will receive 52 thousand cusecs of water instead of 70 thousand, and Sindh would receive 33,000 cusecs instead of 44,000 cusecs.
According to sources, Punjab irrigation officials would be stationed at the Guddu and Kotri barrages to monitor discharges, while Sindh officials have been in charge of the Taunsa and Panjnad barrages.
As the water situation worsens, studies project that by 2040, Pakistan will be the region’s most water-stressed country.
