The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has warned that Tarbela and Mangla dams are nearing their dead levels, prompting urgent water conservation measures.
According to IRSA, the country faces a 30 to 35 percent water shortage for the remainder of the Rabi season, and any future water releases will depend on incoming inflows.
A letter issued by IRSA states that Punjab has already experienced a 20 percent water shortage, while Sindh has faced a 16 percent shortfall.
Currently, Sindh is receiving 25,000 cusecs of water, falling short of its 27,000 cusecs demand, whereas Punjab is receiving 40,000 cusecs against its 45,000 cusecs requirement.
IRSA has instructed provincial irrigation departments to implement immediate measures to manage water usage efficiently, as the situation is unlikely to improve without significant rainfall.
The authority has further warned that if dry conditions persist, Tarbela and Mangla dams may hit dead levels within the next three to four days.
