Pakistan’s major water reservoirs have reached a significant milestone, with combined storage climbing to 9.466 million acre-feet (MAF), or approximately 72 percent of the country’s total storage capacity, according to the latest official water data. The sharp improvement comes as Tarbela Dam approaches full capacity, providing a major boost to irrigation supplies during the ongoing Kharif cropping season.
The latest figures show that Pakistan’s three major reservoirs currently hold 9.466 MAF of water against their combined maximum storage capacity of 13.149 MAF. The increase has been driven by strong monsoon rainfall and accelerated glacier melt in the northern regions, improving water availability for agriculture across the country.
The Indus River System is currently receiving 401,600 cusecs of water inflows, while regulated outflows stand at 304,700 cusecs. The healthy inflow levels have enabled water authorities to maintain adequate supplies for irrigation while continuing to replenish the country’s reservoirs.
Tarbela Dam Nears Full Capacity
Among Pakistan’s reservoirs, Tarbela Dam has recorded the strongest recovery and is now operating at nearly full capacity.
Official figures show that Tarbela currently stores 5.063 MAF of water, representing 90.72 percent of its total storage capacity of 5.58 MAF. The dam continues to receive 219,700 cusecs of inflows while releasing 162,000 cusecs downstream to meet irrigation demands.
The strong inflows are largely attributed to seasonal glacier melting and heavy monsoon rains across the upper Indus basin. Water experts believe Tarbela’s healthy storage levels will play a critical role in supporting agricultural production during the remainder of the Kharif season.
Chashma Barrage Also Near Capacity
Chashma Barrage has also experienced a notable rise in water levels.
The barrage currently holds 0.285 MAF of water, reaching 91.64 percent of its storage capacity. The higher storage further strengthens Pakistan’s overall water reserves and improves the flexibility of water distribution across the irrigation network.
Mangla Dam Still Behind Seasonal Levels
Unlike Tarbela and Chashma, Mangla Dam remains below its expected seasonal storage level.
According to official data, Mangla currently holds 56.74 percent of its storage capacity. Authorities say relatively weak rainfall in the Jhelum River catchment has limited inflows to 46,200 cusecs, slowing the reservoir’s recovery.
To conserve available water, officials have reduced releases from Mangla to 7,000 cusecs. Water managers are closely monitoring weather conditions and expect additional rainfall during August to improve storage levels before the start of the upcoming Rabi cropping season.
Irrigation Supplies Continue for Kharif Crops
The improved reservoir situation has allowed irrigation authorities to continue supplying sufficient water for Pakistan’s major Kharif crops.
Currently, 354,600 cusecs of water are being diverted through the country’s irrigation network to support crops including:
- Cotton
- Rice
- Sugarcane
- Other seasonal crops
Provincial allocations include:
- Sindh: 195,000 cusecs
- Punjab: 145,000 cusecs
- Balochistan: 12,000 cusecs
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 2,500 cusecs
Agricultural experts say stable water availability during the Kharif season is essential for maintaining crop yields and supporting Pakistan’s food security.
Water Released to Protect Sindh Delta
Officials also confirmed that 0.532 MAF of water has been released downstream of Kotri Barrage into the Arabian Sea since the beginning of the Kharif season.
The environmental releases are intended to reduce seawater intrusion, preserve freshwater flows, and help protect the fragile ecosystem of the Sindh Delta, which has been increasingly threatened by reduced downstream water availability in recent years.
Authorities Monitoring Monsoon Activity
Water authorities will continue closely monitoring monsoon rainfall through mid-August, particularly over the Jhelum basin, where additional precipitation is considered crucial for boosting Mangla Dam’s storage.
Officials believe that if current rainfall patterns continue, Pakistan could further strengthen its water reserves before the beginning of the Rabi sowing season, improving water security for both agriculture and domestic consumption.
The latest reservoir figures indicate a much healthier water situation compared with previous years, offering relief to farmers and strengthening confidence in irrigation supplies for the remainder of the agricultural season.
Also read: Pakistan’s Largest Reservoir Hits Full Water Storage Capacity
