Kharif: IRSA to finalise water distribution

Advisory body to meet on April 7 as rains boost water levels across major reservoirs

ISLAMABAD:

The Advisory Committee of Indus River System Authority will meet on April 7 to finalise water distribution for the provinces for Kharif season 2026.

The committee meeting under Irsa chairman will be attended by all the Irsa's members, representatives from Wapda, the Federal Flood Commission, the director general of Pakistan Meteorological Department and the four provincial irrigation secretaries.

However, the body appears incomplete as there is absence of a regular Sindh member and a full-fledged federal member from the province.

Sindh's member in Irsa, Mohammad Ehsan Leghari, resigned on Nov 19, 2025 after joining the Sindh government's Planning and Development Department as member (water). His resignation has yet to be accepted by the federal water resources ministry, even after more than five months, as it must be sent to the federal cabinet for approval.

Sindh proposed Shafqat Wadhu, a retired chief engineer of the irrigation department, on Jan 28, 2026. His nomination has not been approved by the federal cabinet. It is unclear whether the ministry has forwarded the proposal or if it is still pending. Mr Leghari, however, will attend the April 7 IAC meeting.

Another contentious issue for Sindh is the appointment of a federal member from the province in the water regulator. The matter remains pending for unexplained reasons, although both summaries were to originate from the water resources ministry.

Ongoing rains across the country have positively impacted water availability, significantly improving levels in major reservoirs.

According to the Indus River System Authority (Irsa), Tarbela Dam has nearly reached full capacity; the water level is recorded at 1,449.82 feet against its maximum storage capacity of 1,550 feet.

The dam currently holds 1.006 million acre-feet of usable water, reflecting a substantial increase in reserves.

Mangla Dam is also witnessing ample storage, with water reserves recorded at 1.268 million acre-feet. Its current water level stands at 1,138 feet, compared to its maximum capacity of 1,242 feet, according to Irsa.

Similarly, Chashma Barrage has recorded water storage of 0.171 million acre-feet. The barrage has a maximum capacity level of 649 feet, while the current level stands at 645 feet.

Water inflows and outflows at key reservoirs remain stable.

Tarbela is receiving an inflow of 43,000 cusecs, with an outflow of 20,000 cusecs. At Chashma Barrage, inflow has been recorded at 57,700 cusecs and outflow at 35,000 cusecs. Mangla Dam is receiving 47,500 cusecs of water, while releasing 22,000 cusecs.