Mangla, Tarbela filling rapidly after heavy precipitation
LAHORE: The country’s biggest reservoir, Mangla Dam, is likely to touch its maximum level this week while the other reservoir Tarbela dam is expected to be filled to capacity on August 28, boasting prospects of adequate irrigation supplies during the summer crops, officials said on Monday.
Mangla Dam’s live storage capacity increased to 7.378 million acre feet (MAF) on Monday as it touched level of 1,241.65 feet, just short of maximum conservation level of 1,242 feet. The inflow of Jhelum River at Mangla was recorded at 26,400 cusecs and outflow was 10,000 cusecs.
Water level at Tarbela Dam on Indus River was recorded 1,536.90 feet against maximum conservation level of 1,550 feet. Its live storage on Monday was registered at 5.586 MAF. An official said the Tarbela Dam is certain to achieve its maximum conservation level in a week time.
Rao Irshad Ali Khan, chairman Indus Rivers System Authority (IRSA) told The News that repair and construction works are continuing at both the reservoirs, which could be an impediment filling of dams as per agreed criteria. However, Khan added, close coordination among the departments have resulted in filling of dams to their advance stage. “It has been our utmost priority to ensure filling of both dams as they play significant role in fulfilling irrigation requirements of the country,” IRSA chairman said.
On the other hand, below Kotri releases into sea have crossed 7.375 MAF during present Kharif season, said an official of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). “The maximum flow of 3.305 MAF was recorded during the month of July, while 2.787 MAF of water discharged into sea in the month of August till now,” the official said. Inflow of Indus River at Kotri on August 15, 2016 was 112,700 cusecs and outflows into sea were 86,000 cusecs.
From October last year to the start of current water year, some quantity of water went into sea every month except November last. During 2015-16 water years, the official said, as many as 36.383 MAF of water was discharged into sea, which is about three times of the accumulated storage capacity of main dams.
Monsoon rains, crucial for the country’s farm sector, were above average this season. Water levels in reservoirs are important primarily for irrigation during the summer and winter months, and for hydropower generation.