The Mangla Dam has reached its “dead level” of 1,050 feet, which has halted hydroelectric power production. Meanwhile, the Tarbela Dam is just two feet above its minimum level, and the Chashma Barrage is holding on with only one foot remaining. The water crisis in Pakistan is rapidly worsening.
According to a spokesperson from WAPD, the current water levels present a concerning situation. The Tarbela Dam is holding 14,000 acre-feet of capacity at a level of 1,404.93 feet, close to its minimum threshold of 1,402 feet. The Mangla Dam is at 1,050 feet, storing 72,000 acre-feet of water. Meanwhile, the Chashma Barrage, at 639.30 feet, has only 17,000 acre-feet left. These declining water levels pose significant risks to power generation, agriculture, and water supply.
منگلا ڈیم میں پانی ڈیڈ لیول 1050 فٹ تک پہنچ گیا، پانی کا اخراج بند کر دیا گیا pic.twitter.com/EsbYraxmeG
— Ahmad Warraich (@ahmadwaraichh) March 16, 2025Rivers aren’t helping. At Tarbela, Indus River inflow is 19,600 cusecs, with 20,000 cusecs flowing out. Jhelum River at Mangla shows 19,800 cusecs in and 19,900 out. Chenab River at Marala has 16,600 cusecs in and 11,900 out. Other barrages like Guddu and Kotri reflect the same scarcity.
Mangla Dam hits dead level, power production halted#ARYNews https://t.co/xobzZOTvVQ
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) March 16, 2025This isn’t just about power. Low water hits agriculture and homes hard. Pakistan relies heavily on hydroelectricity, so shortages spike energy woes. Climate change and poor management fuel the crisis. Experts push for sustainable fixes—fast. The clock’s ticking on this Pakistan water crisis.
Read: Sindh Govt Secures Rs8 Billion for Water Project from Federal Government
Experts urge action. Better water storage and conservation could help. Diversifying energy with solar and wind might ease the strain. Smarter energy use is key too. Together, these steps could secure Pakistan’s future against water and power shortages. Change can’t wait.
