Water inflow at Mangla improves

ISLAMABAD:

In line with the Indus River System Authority's advisory-cum warning issued on Wednesday, Tarbela Dam seems set to touch its dead level — minimum operating level of 1,402 feet feet — soon as its level was recorded at 1410.59 feet which was 8.59 feet higher than the dead level.

The water statistics were somewhat not that alarming at Mangla Dam. The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla was 1083.20 feet, which was 33.20 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded at 20,000 cusecs and 15,200 cusecs, respectively.

This means there is some slight improved in the water inflows. Agriculture in Sindh and Punjab on the shortage of irrigation water in the dams.

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 35,700, 22,600, 16,600 and 5,900 cusecs, respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 17,900 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 5,200 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.

Irsa's advisory committee was to hold its meeting on April 1 to discuss water flows availability and overall scenario for upcoming summer crop season but it is likely to be held later in the first week of April due to the Eid holidays.

Normally, Tarbela Dam is considered to be the primary source of irrigation water for Sindh. Mangla Dam hardly feeds the province. The Sukkur Barrage feeds most of Sindh's lands through its seven major canals. Guddu and Sukkur barrages also provide water to Balochistan.

Guddu Barrage is currently drawing water only for Ghotki Feeder - its left bank channel - whereas the right bank canal - Desert Pat Feeder - supplies 1,900 cusecs to Balochistan, which was also receiving 500 cusecs for the Kachhi canal through Taunsa Barrage till March 17. Sukkur Barrage was also providing another 600 cusecs to Balochistan.

Kotri Barrage was having a flow of 5,199 cusecs, including 1,200 cusecs for Karachi. Some quantum of around 200 cusecs was released to Hyderabad and Latifabad for drinking purpose.