Pakistan: Punjab canal system faces 75pc water shortage

The data shared by the Punjab Irrigation Department reveals that Taunsa Barrage was supplied 6,700 cusecs, 73pc less than its requirement of 25,000 cusecs while Thal Canal was facing 75pc scarcity as 2,000 cusecs of water was released into it against the need of 8,000 cusecs, reports Dawn News.

The Panjnad Barrage was running with 66pc shortage, receiving 4,300 cusecs against the requirement of 12,700 cusecs, Rasul Barrage was suffering 59pc water stress with a supply of 9,900 cusecs against the need of 24,200 cusecs, the newspaper reported.

Both Sulemanki Barrage and Lower Bahawal Canal were facing 54pc shortage each, Sidhnai Barrage 51pc, Islam Barrage 50pc and Trimmu Barrage 43pc water scarcity. There was a 33pc water shortage in the Mailsi canal, the newspaper reported.

Tarbela Dam, the largest reservoir in the country, continues to be at dead level for the last couple of weeks as the average water inflow there was 71,500 cusecs against the mean outflows of 70,700 cusecs. Mean water inflows at Mangla Dam, surviving the dead level, was reported at 25,509 cusecs against the outflows of 25,353 cusecs.