Pakistan’s biggest two water reservoirs are at a dead level after 15 years, according to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA).
The experts claim that availability of water in the country is decreasing at an alarming rate with its demand increasing at the same pace.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that chances are high that rainfall will remain below normal in April and May and temperatures are likely to increase 1° to 2° Celsius.
According to the PMD website, the current level of water at Mangala Dam is 1,050’ and its dead level is the same.
The inflow of water from the dam, was recorded 12,225 cusecs (cubic foot per second) and outflow at 13,401 cusecs, which is the lowest recorded since 2009.
Similarly, the Tarbela dam’s current water level and dead level is 1,386’, which is lowest since 2009.
The inflow and outflow of water is 16,500 cusecs, which is also lowest since 2009.
An IRSA spokesperson said that both the major water reservoirs of the country have been at dead level since February 22 this year.
“Pakistan is facing such a situation after 15 years and it is expected that it will be further prolonged till mid of June,” he said.
He added that Pakistan received below-average snowfall in catchment areas this year, which means even with the expected snowmelt the situation would not improve by much.
The spokesperson said water shortage has direct impact on agriculture and a slight shortage causes major losses.
He added that IRSA has anticipated 40% water shortage in the early sowing season and the impact of global warming is having an adverse impact on Pakistan.
“Unfortunately, Pakistan is not ready to deal with the grave impact of climate change, with the situation getting worse with each passing day. The best option to avoid its negative impact is to have more and more dams,” he said.
“It is expected that Pakistan may receive below average showers in April and May and high temperatures than normal. In May water demand will gradually increase with rise in the temperature,” said Met Office chief Dr Ghulam Rasul.
He said that glacier melting starts in April but its water flows only in Tarbela dam.
“Though under the impact of climate change, Pakistan could receive a heavy shower, which could improve water situation in the reservoirs as such ‘unexpected or unusual’ weather events are occurring frequently,” he added.