Key points
- IRSA reports total release of 87,500 cusecs against 68,900 cusecs inflows
- Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs show gradual drawdown from post-monsoon peaks
- Rabi season irrigation supplies may tighten if inflows remain subdued
ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Tuesday reported total water releases of 87,500 cusecs from various rim stations, against inflows of 68,900 cusecs, indicating a continuing drawdown from the country’s main reservoirs as the Rabi sowing season advances.
According to data shared by IRSA, the water level at Tarbela Dam on the Indus River stood at 1,549.84 feet, about 147.84 feet above its dead level of 1,402 feet. Inflows and outflows were recorded at 35,800 cusecs and 40,000 cusecs, respectively.
At Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River, water level was measured at 1,241.35 feet, around 191 feet above the dead level of 1,050 feet, with inflows of 8,700 cusecs and outflows of 23,000 cusecs, the authority reported.
Downstream discharges were logged at 44,500 cusecs at Kalabagh, 39,500 cusecs at Taunsa, 45,800 cusecs at Guddu, and 10,300 cusecs at Sukkur, while 9,500 cusecs were released from River Kabul at Nowshera and 8,200 cusecs from River Chenab at Marala.
IRSA clarified that the station-wise readings reflect sequential flows through the river system and are not cumulative.
Water experts said the current imbalance between inflows and releases suggests that IRSA is drawing on stored reserves to sustain irrigation demands, which could affect later Rabi crop watering if inflows do not pick up.
Seasonal inflows have declined sharply with receding glacier melt and the end of the monsoon cycle. Officials said the Authority is closely monitoring reservoir drawdown to maintain adequate supply for provinces and ensure equitable distribution.
IRSA sources told APP that no immediate shortage has been reported, but conservation measures may be considered if storage levels fall below critical thresholds by mid-Rabi. Wheat, oilseed, and fodder crops rely heavily on stable canal discharges through December and January, when natural inflows typically reach their seasonal low.
