Pakistan is facing a critical water crisis as the Mangla Dam has hit its dead level, halting hydroelectric power generation, according to media reports.
Other major reservoirs, including Tarbela Dam and Chashma Barrage, are also nearing their minimum operational levels, raising concerns about water availability and energy production.
A spokesperson from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) confirmed that the Mangla Dam has reached its minimum operating level, forcing authorities to suspend power generation.
Tarbela Dam is only two feet above its dead level, while Chashma Barrage stands just one foot above, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Current Water Levels
- Tarbela Dam: 1404.93 feet (Minimum: 1402 feet, Maximum: 1550 feet)
- Mangla Dam: 1050 feet (Minimum: 1050 feet, Maximum: 1242 feet)
- Chashma Barrage: 639.30 feet (Minimum: 638.15 feet, Maximum: 649 feet)
The drastic reduction in water levels is already affecting power generation and agricultural irrigation, raising fears of worsening shortages in the coming months.
Other key barrages, including Jinnah, Taunsa, Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri, are also experiencing fluctuating inflows and outflows, further highlighting the urgent need for better water management.
Not too long ago we had the worst floods and now we have a water shortage. Do people realize that every few years we go through a cycle of floods and droughts? This is because Pakistan refuses to build infrastructure to manage it’s water, build dams, canals, lakes etc for agriculture and energy generation. Yet no one seems to notice, no one seems to care.
Inflow at Terbela is 17100 cs & out flow today is 16900. It’s blessing that inflow is equal or little above than outflow.