The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has sounded the alarm over an imminent water shortage in Pakistan in the upcoming summer months. Blaming the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) for alleged incompetence, reduced snowfall, and widespread water theft, IRSA predicts a staggering 40 percent deficit in water availability.
During a recent meeting, IRSA officials highlighted several concerns, including WAPDA’s failure to complete expansion projects at Tarbela Dam and delays in the crucial T-5 project, which could withhold a substantial 85 thousand cusecs of water. The flawed design of the T4 project is expected to contribute an additional 30,000 cusecs to the deficit, making a total of 115,000 cusecs of water unavailable from Tarbela Dam.
Punjab province is anticipated to face a significant shortage of 45,000 cusecs due to ongoing reconstruction work on Mangla Dam’s power units. IRSA also raised alarm over rampant water theft, estimating a 15 percent loss from canals, barrages, and rivers. Moreover, approximately ten million cusecs of water are predicted to be lost to the sea during the current kharif season.
The situation is further complicated by discrepancies in reported figures regarding water distribution among provinces, exacerbating the looming water crisis. IRSA’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to address water management issues and ensure sustainable water availability for agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs.
 has sounded the alarm over an imminent water shortage in Pakistan in the upcoming summer months. Blaming the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) for alleged incompetence, reduced snowfall, and widespread water theft, IRSA predicts a staggering 40 percent deficit in water availability.){kind=link}