As Pakistan prepares for the Kharif cropping season, a severe water crisis has led authorities to limit supplies strictly to drinking purposes for April.
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) held a meeting on Wednesday, deciding to reassess water availability in May before making further allocations. Officials warned of an alarming situation, with dams nearly empty, river flows drastically reduced, and insufficient snow deposits in mountainous regions. The water shortfall at rim stations stands at 51%, exceeding 60% at provincial canal heads.
Read more: Punjab Government Bans Car Washing and Home Water Pipe Usage to Combat Water Crisis
Irsa, which usually allocates water in three phases, has shifted to monthly reviews due to worsening climatic conditions. For April, a 43% system shortfall was approved, with further cuts expected next month. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported below-normal rainfall and rising temperatures, with snowfall in the Indus and Jhelum catchment areas 31% lower than usual, causing a sharp decline in river inflows.
Punjab and Sindh accepted the one-month water allocation, but Sindh objected to the three-tier water distribution formula, insisting on calculations under para-2 of the Water Accord, which would raise shortages above 55% for April.
The crisis poses a major threat to agriculture as the Kharif season—covering April to September—begins. Key crops like rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize, and mash face significant risks, and experts warn of devastating consequences if water availability does not improve.
