MIRPUR (Kashmir English): The water level in Mangla dam, one of the biggest in Pakistan, has decreased by 159 feet, reaching near the dead level.
According to Indus River System Authority (IRSA) officials, there is a continuous increase in the discharge of water in Mangla Dam by 23,000 cusecs, while the inflow of water in the reservoir was recorded at 16,124 cusecs.
The water level of Mangla Dam is currently at 1083.55 feet, while the water storage limit is 1242 feet and the dead level of the dam is 1050 feet.
The experts have sounded the alarm of extreme water shortage in Pakistan by 2027.
Earlier, the IRSA issued a water distribution regulation after the water level in the country’s two major Tarbela and Mangla dams reached near the dead level.
The letter said that there is an estimated 30 to 35 percent water shortage for the rest of the Rabi season, and as much water as is available in the dams will be released. It was further stated that instructions have been issued to the provincial irrigation department to take immediate steps, as the situation is unlikely to improve until there is rain.
The letter said that in the current Rabi season, Punjab suffered a 20 percent and Sindh a 16 percent water shortage, Sindh is being provided with 25,000 cusecs of water, while Sindh’s demand is 27,000 cusecs.
According to IRSA, 40,000 cusecs of water is being provided to Punjab, while Punjab’s demand is 45,000 cusecs. IRSA warned that in the absence of rain, Mangla and Tarbela could reach dead level in 3 to 4 days.
