The Irsa River System (IRSA) has warned the Punjab and the bond against preparing for a water shortage of up to 35 %, as Tarbilla and Mangla tanks approach their dead levels, which raised fears of irrigation supplies during the decisive stage of the RABI season, according to a report.
In a letter to irrigation secretaries from all the four provinces, IRSA director, Khaled Edrice Rana, warned that both tanks were about to deplete. He stated that Punjab and Sindh may face a 30-35 % decrease, as dams should be operated in running mode with minimal storage capacity.
According to the latest IRSA data, Tarbela DAM had only 73,000 acres of storing the remaining water, with its level registered at 1409 feet-only nine feet of his 1400-foot dead level. The tank, which has a maximum capacity of 1550 feet, received a 17,000 zucchini flow at an external flow of 20,000 cos on Friday.
Likewise, the direct storage of mangla Dam reached 235,000 acres, with the water level at 1088 feet, and only 28 feet above its 1060 -foot dead level. The dam, which can store water up to 1,242 feet, scored a flow of 16,400 zucchini as it launch 18,000 zucchini on the same day.
These numbers indicate a rapid depletion of both tanks, with Irsa asserting that they may reach dead levels in the coming days. The authority had previously expected this scenario at the beginning of my Lord’s season on October 2, 2024, when it is estimated that the storage would reach dead levels by the first ten days of March 2025.
Although the seasonal tank exhaustion is regular, timing is especially important for wheat crops, which require final irrigation before the harvest begins later this month. In addition, wheat production is already affected by lower sowing due to the change of government policies.
Despite the availability of waters, Irsa recognized that recent rain attacks helped reduce some tension on permanent crops. He stated that the rains have contributed positively to the irrigation system in the bond basin (IBIS), allowing the provision of province water to stay close to the designated levels.
According to the IRSA water accounts report, which covers the period from October 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, Punjab witnessed a 20 % deficit in the water, while Sindh faced a 14 % deficit. These numbers were slightly better than the deficit by 16 % at first by the IRSA advisory committee at the beginning of the season.
With more rain, Irsa expressed its hope that the additional rain will increase from the situation. However, the regional authorities have urged precautionary measures to manage the expected deficiency and ensure sufficient irrigation of crops at this decisive stage.
