Ongoing drought conditions have led to a critical water shortage in the country, with major reservoirs reaching dead levels. The water crisis has significantly impacted hydropower generation, further straining the energy supply.
Tarbela Dam’s usable water storage has completely depleted, now at its dead level of 1,402 feet.
Mangla Dam remains at its dead level with a current water level of 1,054 feet and 77,000 acre-feet of stored water.
Chashma Barrage is also at dead level, with a water level of 638 feet and 9,000 acre-feet of usable water.
Total water storage in reservoirs stands at only 86,000 acre-feet, according to WAPDA.
Tarbela Dam: Inflow 18,300 cusecs, Outflow 20,000 cusecs.
Mangla Dam: Inflow 23,200 cusecs, Outflow 20,400 cusecs.
Chashma Barrage: Inflow 30,100 cusecs, Outflow 27,000 cusecs.
Hydropower generation has dropped drastically due to low water levels. Pakistan’s total hydropower capacity is 10,000 MW, but currently, only 1,000 MW is being generated.
Tarbela Dam’s 16 out of 17 power units have shut down, producing only 350 MW. Ghazi Barotha is generating 400 MW, while Warsak is producing 60 MW.
Other sources are contributing 240 MW, but the overall shortfall remains significant.
With the worsening water crisis, experts warn of further electricity shortages and agricultural challenges unless urgent water management strategies are implemented.
