Water falls to 1,450.85 ft, hurting power and irrigation
Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis as Tarbela Dam, the country’s largest reservoir, has seen its water level plunge to a critical 1,450.85 feet—just 48 feet above its dead level of 1,402 feet. This alarming situation is not only threatening power generation but also endangering the irrigation of vast agricultural lands, with experts warning of dire consequences if the dry spell continues.
Current Situation: How Low Is Tarbela Dam?
- Current water level: 1,450.85 feet (June 2025)
- Dead level: 1,402 feet (water below this cannot be released by gravity)
- Full storage capacity: 1,550 feet (almost 100 feet below full)
- Power generation: Only 1,413 megawatts out of a possible 4,888 MW, despite all 17 units being operational
- Water inflow: 177,400 cusecs
- Water outflow: 151,800 cusecs
Why Is This Happening?
- Ongoing dry spell: Exceptionally low rainfall and high temperatures have drastically reduced river inflows.
- Below-average rainfall: Rainfall is 40% below normal in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, with some areas experiencing dry spells for over 200 day.
- Reduced Indus River flow: Indus River’s water levels have dropped by 50% compared to previous years.
- Climate change: Accelerated glacier melt and erratic weather patterns are worsening the crisis.
- High outflows: Outflows have often exceeded inflows, further depleting reservoir storage.
Impact on Power Generation
- Electricity production down: Tarbela is producing less than a third of its 4,888 MW capacity.
- Shutdowns: In previous months, up to 12 of 17 power units have been shut down, slashing output to as low as 499 MW.
- National grid strain: Reduced hydropower means greater reliance on expensive and polluting thermal generation.
Impact on Agriculture and Society
- Irrigation at risk: Millions of acres in Punjab and Sindh depend on Tarbela for irrigation; shortages could devastate rice, wheat, and cotton crops.
- Food security threat: Lower crop yields will raise food prices and increase food insecurity, especially for the poor.
- Urban shortages: Major cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi are already experiencing water rationing and supply cuts.
What’s Being Done?
- Water rationing: Authorities are planning stricter water distribution and rationing to manage the crisis.
- Expert warnings: Water management experts urge urgent conservation, modernization of irrigation, and public awareness campaigns.
- Hope for rain: Relief depends on the arrival of the monsoon; without it, further restrictions and crop failures are likely
