Pakistan’s major water reservoirs have reached 9.466 million acre-feet (MAF), representing around 72% of the country’s total storage capacity. The latest figures show that Tarbela Dam is close to full capacity as the country prepares for the peak irrigation season.
According to official water data, the combined storage capacity of Pakistan’s main reservoirs is 13.149 MAF, with current water levels standing at 9.466 MAF. The Indus River System is receiving 401,600 cusecs of water, while 304,700 cusecs are being released to meet irrigation needs.
Tarbela Dam has recorded the strongest recovery, storing 5.063 MAF of water, which is nearly 91% of its total capacity. The dam continues to receive strong inflows of 219,700 cusecs, while 162,000 cusecs are being released. Increased glacier melting and seasonal monsoon rainfall in the upper Indus region have played a key role in boosting water levels.
Meanwhile, Chashma Barrage is also close to maximum capacity, holding 0.285 MAF, or more than 91% of its total storage.
However, Mangla Dam is still below its expected seasonal level. The reservoir is currently about 57% full due to below-average rainfall in the Jhelum River catchment. Inflows remain limited at 46,200 cusecs, and water authorities have reduced outflows to 7,000 cusecs to help conserve available supplies.
To support the ongoing Kharif cropping season, irrigation authorities are distributing 354,600 cusecs of water across the country. Sindh is receiving 195,000 cusecs, Punjab 145,000 cusecs, Balochistan 12,000 cusecs, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2,500 cusecs for crops such as cotton, rice, and sugarcane.
Officials also reported that 0.532 MAF of water has been released below Kotri Barrage into the Arabian Sea since the start of the Kharif season. This controlled release is intended to reduce seawater intrusion and protect the environmentally sensitive Sindh Delta.
Water authorities will continue closely monitoring monsoon rainfall through mid-August. Additional rainfall in the Jhelum basin is expected to improve water storage at Mangla Dam before the beginning of the upcoming Rabi planting season.
