IRSA to review Kharif season water availability on 26th

ISLAMABAD: Given that the Tarbela reservoir has reached its dead level and operational constraints persist at Mangla Dam, IRSA’s Advisory Committee (IAC), headed by its chairman, is all set to meet on March 26 to assess water availability for the Kharif season, which begins on April 1.

Already agitated over Cholistan canal project, Sindh is likely to give a tough time in the meeting over the constraints at Mangla and on expected water distribution mechanism for the Kharif season, a senior official in the water regulator told The News.

A working paper about water availability in the system for Kharif season will be prepared in an IRSA technical committee meeting scheduled for March 25, said an IRSA press note. However, the official said if temperature, as per Met office’s prediction, goes up by 5-7 degrees in the catchment area of the Indus, Jehlum and Chenab rivers by April 10, water flows in the system would start improving, but water shortage is estimated to be hovering at 20-25 percent. Otherwise, a famine-like situation may grip the country putting food security in jeopardy.