As Pakistan prepares for the Kharif cropping season, an unprecedented water shortage has forced authorities to restrict water supplies strictly to drinking purposes for April.
The Advisory Committee of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) met on Wednesday and decided to reassess the situation in May before making further allocations. Officials warned of a dire situation, with dams running dry, river flows plummeting, and insufficient snow deposits on mountains.
“There is no water in dams, river flows have plunged, and fewer snow deposits on mountains are not promising improved flows,” an official said. The water shortfall at rim stations stands at 51%, exceeding 60% at provincial canal heads.
Irsa, which typically allocates water for the season in three phases, has shifted to a month-by-month assessment due to worsening climatic conditions. For April, the committee approved a 43% system shortfall, with further reductions likely next month.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported below-normal rainfall and higher than usual temperatures across the country’s northern and southern regions. Snowfall in the Indus and Jhelum catchment areas was 31% below normal, leading to significantly reduced river inflows.
Punjab and Sindh have agreed to the one-month water allocation, but Sindh raised objections to the three-tier water distribution formula. Sindh demanded that water shares be calculated under para-2 of the Water Accord, which would result in shortages exceeding 55% for April.
The water crisis comes at a critical time, with the Kharif cropping season—spanning April to September—about to begin. Key crops such as rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize, and mash are at risk. Irrigation experts warn that if the situation does not improve, the impact on agriculture could be devastating.
I am a scientist and I have invented a device which can extract sugar from the urine of diabetic patients. Extracted sugar is human consumption worthy. Remaining urine can be consumed as water. This water is as pure as it gets. I am planning to pitch my invention to nasa. Here in Pakistan, my invention can solve two things, water shortage and sugar crisis.
We are sad, we are not blessed and we have no one around competent enough to save us.
Do not worry. What is more important, water or beautification measures, glass trains, chair lifts etc.? When brains are not used, this happens.
You will see that the tanker mafia will still be getting water inspite the domestic users will be having not a single drop.
Samjh nhin aa rhi Kon jhoota he?
1. ProPakistani reporting: Meteorologist Keh rhe raining nhin hui, worsening situation he, drinking water k Lea b alerts bhej rhe.
2. Geo reporting: IRSA Indus River System ka Alone Authority to Keh rhi: Don’t worries, there’s plenty of water, Not only for current system but even for more than doubling it. In jhoote alerts pe time waste na krin, Dekho we have already issued NOCs for six new Canals to greenify Cholistan & Tharr deserts 🏜️
3. KTN reporting: Sindh is protesting k delta area is disastrous. World Bank & FAO b donation & udhar de rhin for recovery & elevation of districts alongside delta.
4. Express reporting: Punjab issues 211+ billions to Army, FWO contract of Cholistan Canal. It’s not only large but much larger than total of current largest & second to it..
5. Samaa reports PPP is demonstrated against canals projets.
6. Al Jazeera reporting: PPP Chairman approved Canals in Last year July with official account on X screenshots.