Mangla Dam Water Levels Surge Amid Positive Inflows, Benefiting Agriculture and Hydropower Generation
ISLAMABAD – Water levels at Mangla Dam have risen significantly, reaching 1136.30 feet as of Tuesday, a marked improvement from the dead level of 1050 feet, according to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). This positive development is being attributed to increased inflows, bringing much-needed relief to both agriculture and hydropower generation amid ongoing water scarcity and energy shortages in Pakistan.
Positive Impact on Agriculture and Hydropower
WAPDA officials confirmed that the rise in water levels at Mangla Dam is beneficial for irrigation needs and electricity production, especially as the country grapples with water and energy challenges. The usable water storage in the dam has now reached 1.213 million acre-feet (MAF), significantly higher than the levels seen in previous weeks when the dam was dangerously close to its dead level, following a period of insufficient rainfall.
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Increased Inflows and Future Prospects
The recent surge in water levels is largely due to improved inflows into the dam, which were recorded at 44,300 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 32,000 cusecs. The consistent upward trend in inflows over the past few days is being attributed to recent rainfall and contributions from upstream sources, which have helped boost the dam’s water level.
The maximum storage capacity of Mangla Dam is 1242 feet, and with the current rise in water levels, there is hope that this trend will continue, ensuring sufficient water for upcoming Kharif crops and supporting hydropower generation.
Crucial for Kharif Crops and Power Supply
An official WAPDA spokesperson emphasized the importance of improved water availability at Mangla, noting that it is vital for meeting the irrigation needs for Kharif crops and supporting hydropower generation to meet energy demands. “We hope this upward trend continues in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson stated.
Concerns Over Water Levels Earlier in the Season
Earlier this season, the situation at Mangla Dam had raised alarms, as water levels had dropped alarmingly close to the dead level, triggering concerns about the availability of water for irrigation, especially in Punjab and northern Pakistan. With the recent positive shift, however, officials are optimistic about the continued improvement in the water situation.
