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In an alarming news it has been revealed by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), that the water level in Pakistan in chief tanks has touched an all-time low and it may well reach the dead level by 10^th March 2017. IRSA has already issued a warning about the low water level in Pakistan’s main reservoirs.

While talking to the Express Tribune, the spokesperson of IRSA Khalid Rana stated that the major reason of existing water level in the country has been due to drought which took place last year for 4 consecutive months. He also added that the issue has arisen after a period of 3-4 years in Pakistan.

Water Levels at different Dams

Revealing the details of the water level in Pakistan at different dams, he said:

• Current water level in Tarbela Dam has been recorded at 1,400 feet However, the dead level for the Dam is 1,380 feet
• As far as Mangla Dam is concerned, it’s water level has been noted at 1,079 feet, while the dead level for the Dam is 1,040 feet

Also Read: Farmers in Pakistan to get information on changing weather trends

Spell of Showers Not Going to Help

It is noteworthy that Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has already issued a forecast of slight to moderate showers during this week. However, these rains (if they take place as anticipated), will not have any say in country’s major reservoirs as it will not augment the water level in Pakistan. PMD projected too few spells of light showers beginning Tuesday (yesterday).

The Director General of PMD, Dr. Ghulam Rasul added:

“We are expecting light to moderate rain in north Punjab, upper K-P, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir; but will not help increase the water level in the reservoirs”

While talking about the significance of rain, Khalid Rana stated:

“We are hoping ‘ good rain’ would help increase the water level in these reservoirs; otherwise it is feared that the water shortage would not only affect the early sowing period of Kharif crop which may affect its production by 50 per cent to 60 per cent, but would also cause shortage of drinking water across the country”

Amid all this, IRSA’s representative has been hopeful about the water level in Pakistan in the future. the spokesperson expressed that if snow on the mountains in the north begins to melt from next month then it would help increase the level of water in Pakistan’s major dams.

Keeping in mind the existing water levels in the dams, both Sindh and Punjab have minimized its water demand from 45,000 and 57,000 cusecs to 40,000 and 50,000 cusecs respectively for the next 10 days. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have asked for 3,000 and 4,000 cusecs respectively.