Pakistan accumulates 6.25maf water in dams as monsoon inflows surge

Pakistan’s water reservoirs have stored more than 6.25 million acre-feet (MAF) of water during the ongoing Kharif season, bolstered by surging monsoon inflows across major national dams.

An official from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) confirmed that Tarbela Dam currently holds 3.395 MAF, Mangla Dam holds 3.011 MAF, and Chashma Barrage contains 0.121 MAF.

At Tarbela, inflows reached 285,700 cusecs against regulated outflows of 210,000 cusecs. Chashma Barrage recorded inflows of 263,700 cusecs and outflows of 225,000 cusecs, while Mangla Dam logged 80,500 cusecs in inflows alongside reduced outflows of 10,000 cusecs to rapidly build capacity.

Due to heavy monsoon rains creating flood-like conditions at both major reservoirs, WAPDA and IRSA are managing operations cautiously to regulate inflows safely and conserve water.

Downstream of Kotri Barrage, water releases were kept at a minimal 0.138 MAF between April 1 and July 21 to prevent seawater intrusion into the Indus delta, though downstream discharges are projected to increase as peak monsoon flows continue.

All four provinces are currently receiving their complete indented irrigation allocations to support agricultural activities during the Kharif season.

Water managers continue to monitor basin conditions closely, including at Marala Headworks on the Chenab River, where inflows rose to 102,400 cusecs with outflows kept at 80,100 cusecs following catchment rainfall.

However, IRSA expressed concern over the inability to independently verify the exact origin and scale of upstream river flows, as India has suspended real-time hydrological data sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty.