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**Mangla Dam Hits Dead Level, Power Production Halted**
**ISLAMABAD:** Pakistan is facing a critical water shortage, with the Mangla Dam reaching its “dead level,” forcing a complete halt to hydroelectric power generation from the facility, ARY News reported on Sunday.
A WAPDA spokesperson confirmed that Mangla Dam is now operating at its absolute minimum level.
Tarbela Dam is also dangerously low, just two feet above its dead level, while Chashma Barrage is only one foot above. The lack of water has entirely stopped power production at Mangla Dam.
Here’s a breakdown of the current reservoir levels:
* **Tarbela Dam:** Water level is at 1404.93 feet (minimum operating level: 1402 feet, maximum: 1550 feet). Current storage: 14,000 acre-feet.
* **Mangla Dam:** Water level is at 1050 feet (minimum operating level: 1050 feet, maximum: 1242 feet). Current storage: 72,000 acre-feet.
* **Chashma Barrage:** Water level is at 639.30 feet (minimum operating level: 638.15 feet, maximum: 649 feet). Current storage: 17,000 acre-feet.
Current river flows also reflect the dire situation:
* **Indus River (at Tarbela):** Inflow is 19,600 cusecs; outflow is 20,000 cusecs.
* **Kabul River (at Nowshera):** Inflow and outflow are both 14,600 cusecs.
* **Jhelum River (at Mangla):** Inflow is 19,800 cusecs; outflow is 19,900 cusecs.
* **Chenab River (at Marala):** Inflow is 16,600 cusecs; outflow is 11,900 cusecs.
Other barrages, including Jinnah, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri, are also experiencing varying inflow and outflow, highlighting the widespread water scarcity.
This severe water shortage underscores Pakistan’s ongoing challenges with water management and the impacts of climate change. The dwindling water levels not only impact power generation but also pose significant risks to agriculture and the supply of drinking water.
Experts are calling on authorities to implement sustainable water conservation and storage strategies to tackle this crisis.
Pakistan’s reliance on hydroelectric power means that these shortages can exacerbate energy shortfalls, particularly during periods of peak demand. The situation highlights the urgent need for improved water resource management and a diversification of the energy mix to lessen dependence on hydroelectricity.
Developing alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, alongside enhanced energy conservation practices, could help mitigate the risk of energy crises triggered by water shortages. This combined approach could contribute to a more stable and resilient energy future for Pakistan.