Water Levels Rise in Major Dams After Rainfall, But Drought Threat Persists

ISLAMABAD: Water levels in key dams, including Mangla and Tarbela, have slightly improved due to increased inflows from glacier melting and March rainfall. However, the threat of water shortage for domestic and agricultural use remains.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall in March across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan helped raise water levels in these reservoirs. Mangla Dam’s water level increased from 1,066.25 cusecs to 1,086.70 cusecs, while Tarbela Dam saw a rise from 1,402 cusecs to 1,410 cusecs.

Despite these improvements, PMD cautioned that higher-than-normal temperatures nationwide in April may worsen drought conditions in some regions. Southern areas, including Sindh and Balochistan, could experience normal rainfall, while northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may see below-average rainfall.

Impact on Agriculture: Recent rains have boosted soil moisture, benefiting crops like wheat, sugarcane, and pulses in Punjab, while Sindh reports satisfactory growth of seasonal crops. However, dry conditions in Balochistan and Sindh could affect crop development if rainfall remains insufficient.

The PMD has advised farmers to manage crops efficiently, control weeds, and adhere to weather forecasts for timely harvesting. With drought risks still looming, water conservation remains crucial for mitigating adverse effects.