Lahore – The recent heavy monsoon rains in the catchment areas of major rivers have led to a significant rise in water levels at Tarbela and Mangla Dams. The water level at Tarbela Dam has reached 1539.79 feet, just 10 feet below the maximum conservation level of 1550 feet. Similarly, Mangla Dam’s water level reached 1230.3 feet, with both dams likely to attain their maximum conservation levels soon. This surge in water storage is crucial for meeting water demands and ensuring adequate supply to downstream regions, such as Karachi and Lasbela.
Tarbela Dam:
Tarbela Dam, one of Pakistan’s largest reservoirs, has a maximum conservation level of 1550 feet and a minimum operating level of 1402 feet. As of today, the live storage at Tarbela stands at 5.222 MAF. The inflows and outflows at Tarbela are currently 201800 cusecs and 145500 cusecs, respectively.
Mangla Dam:
Mangla Dam, another vital reservoir, has a maximum conservation level of 1242 feet and a minimum operating level of 1050 feet. With the recent heavy rainfall, the water level has reached 1230.3 feet, and the live storage is now at 6.441 MAF. The inflows and outflows at Mangla Dam are currently 45900 cusecs and 10000 cusecs, respectively.
Chashma Barrage:
Chashma Barrage, a significant water control structure, currently has a water level of 641 feet, just eight feet below its maximum conservation level of 649 feet. The live storage at Chashma is 0.04 MAF, and the minimum operating level is 638.15 feet. Inflows and outflows at Chashma Barrage stand at 232900 cusecs and 209800 cusecs, respectively.
Hub Dam:
The Hub Dam has already reached its maximum storage level of 339 feet above mean sea level. With a live storage capacity of 645,470 acre-feet, the Hub Dam is now prepared to provide water to Karachi and district Lasbela for three consecutive years.
Other Barrages:
Several other barrages and rivers across the country have also witnessed significant inflows due to the monsoon rains. For instance, the Jinnah Barrage currently has 206000 cusecs of inflows and 198000 cusecs of outflows. Additionally, Guddu Barrage has inflows of 451700 cusecs and outflows of 422500 cusecs. These inflows are crucial for maintaining water supplies and ensuring water security for various regions.
Conclusion:
The heavy monsoon rains have resulted in a substantial rise in water levels at Tarbela and Mangla Dams, bringing them close to their maximum conservation levels. This surge in water storage is a positive development for meeting water demands and ensuring water supply to downstream areas. The information about the water levels and inflows at various barrages is crucial for understanding the current water situation in Pakistan. As the monsoon season progresses, authorities must monitor the situation closely to manage water resources effectively and ensure water security for the entire nation.
