Pakistan is facing one of its most pressing environmental and agricultural challenges this Kharif season, with water levels in two of the country’s main reservoirs—Tarbela and Mangla—dropping alarmingly close to dead storage levels. This unprecedented situation is raising serious alarm among agricultural experts, water management authorities, and policymakers.
Dams Near Dead Levels
As per data released by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), both Tarbela and Mangla dams are approaching critical thresholds. The dead level refers to the point below which water cannot be drained through gravity and becomes unusable for irrigation and domestic supply. Tarbela, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s irrigation network, is just a few feet above its dead level. Similarly, the Mangla dam, which supports agriculture in parts of Punjab and Sindh, is also nearing a similar status.
Impact on Agriculture
The crisis has struck at a crucial time, as the Kharif crop season (which typically runs from April to September) requires consistent water supply for sowing and early growth. Key crops affected include rice, cotton, maize, and sugarcane—staples not only for domestic consumption but also for export. Without immediate mitigation, experts fear a significant drop in yields, leading to food insecurity and economic pressure on the farming sector.
Farmers in Punjab and Sindh provinces, which rely heavily on irrigation from these dams, have already begun to report reduced access to canal water. Some areas are experiencing dry fields, while others are turning to expensive alternatives such as tube wells, which adds to production costs.
Reasons Behind the Crisis
Experts cite multiple reasons for the current crisis. A below-normal snowfall season in the Himalayas has led to reduced glacial melt, which usually feeds the rivers and reservoirs. In addition, delayed and weaker-than-expected pre-monsoon rains have further reduced inflow to the dams. Climate change is also believed to be playing a key role in altering weather patterns and water availability.
Moreover, mismanagement of existing water resources and the lack of new storage infrastructure have compounded the problem. Pakistan's per capita water availability has been declining steadily over the years and now stands dangerously close to water scarcity thresholds defined by international standards.
Government Response
The government and IRSA are working to manage the available water supply through strict rationing across provinces. Authorities are urging farmers to adopt water-conserving techniques and shift to less water-intensive crops. There are also discussions underway regarding emergency inter-provincial coordination to equitably distribute what limited water remains.
While long-term solutions such as new dam construction and efficient irrigation systems are being considered, the immediate concern remains the 2025 Kharif season. If weather patterns do not improve, Pakistan may face a deepening agricultural and food crisis.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s acute water shortage during the Kharif season has exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s water infrastructure and agricultural planning. Immediate steps are required to manage the current season while also prioritizing long-term solutions for sustainable water management to avert future crises.
