The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) will take stock of availability of water in the country on Wednesday. It had already convened one meeting of its advisory committee to keep the provinces informed about the water availability/distribution. The body has planned to convene its third meeting on September 4 to chalk out the most viable water-sharing strategy for the remaining crucial period of Kharif and to discuss expected drought-like situation in the next Rabi season.
A statement issued here on Tuesday by the Irsa declared the current water situation in the main reservoirs as alarming due to insufficient rains during recent monsoon rains.
According to the latest meteorological prognosis, the country has entered into a drought phase because of no significant rainfall during the monsoon.
The current irregular and low inflows are unprecedented throughout the past Tarbella Dam period, statement added.
Although, present arrangements and water regulation pattern followed by the Irsa during the current Kharif season have been meticulous and indeed praiseworthy, the statement said, adding that a looming calamity is expected during the forthcoming Rabi season. A concerted effort has to be made by provinces by way of prudent and well-thought-out water management plan to avert the crisis.
The current water level in Tarbella is 44 percent, which is less than its maximum capacity.
The total availability recorded on Tuesday was 3.981MAF as against its maximum capacity of 7.133MAF and the level is 1490.25 feet as against its maximum conservation level of 1550 feet (60 feet below).
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