Official Pakistani data shows that Pakistan released 15 per cent less water from its dams this week when compared to the same period last year amid concerns after India’s IWT move.

A sharp drop in water flow from Pakistan’s dams in the Indus basin has been recorded following India’s move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April. Official Pakistani data shows that Pakistan released 15 per cent less water from its dams this week when compared to the same period last year, amid concerns that India’s move to restrict water flow in western rivers can cause a serious shortage.

On June 5, water release in Pakistan’s Punjab fell to 124,000 cusecs from 144,000 cusecs the previous year, according to recent data. The Indus River at Tarbela Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is at 1,465 meters, close to its dead level of 1,402 meters. At Chasma Dam in Punjab, also on the Indus, the water level is 644 meters, just above its dead level of 638 meters. Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River in Mirpur is at 1,163 meters, slightly above its dead level of 1,050 meters.

The dead level is the lowest level where outlets are present to drain the water into reservoirs by gravity. Below the dead level, water pumps have to be used to drain the water.

A top government source in Pakistan told Network 18 that situation in Pakistan was critical, especially for late Kharif season. “The situation in Pakistan is clearly grave, especially for the late Kharif season from June till September," the source said. They added that the situation will only improve once Monsoon season arrives.

21% water shortage anticipated

Pakistan expects a 21 per cent water shortage because of India’s actions during the early Kharif season, which runs until June 10.

The situation is especially serious at Marala in Sialkot, Punjab, where the Chenab River’s average flow fell to 3,064 cusecs on June 5 from 26,645 cusecs on May 28, according to Pakistani data.

Heatwave makes matters worse

Pakistan is facing worsening conditions due to a severe heatwave forecast from June 8, with daytime temperatures expected to be 5 to 7°C above normal in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Last month, Pakistan stated that a “crisis had been created by Indian short supplies in Chenab River", leading to shortages in the Kharif season. Pakistan has called India’s actions an “act of war” and warned that water could spark the next conflict.

Source: Firstpost.