Pakistan Faces Severe Water Crisis: 21% Shortage Expected Amid Indian Blockade
Water Shortage Warning in Pakistan
Islamabad: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) in Pakistan has raised alarms about a potential 21% decrease in water availability during the Kharif season, primarily due to halted water supplies from India. Following India's decision to block water flow, the River Chenab has experienced a significant drop in inflow. This advisory was released after a meeting of the IRSA Advisory Committee (IAC), which assessed the expected water availability for the remainder of the Kharif season.
During the IAC meeting, participants expressed serious concerns regarding the rapid decline in water levels of the Chenab River. They attributed this reduction to the interruption of water supply from India, which has been suspended since New Delhi put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, resulting in the loss of 26 innocent lives.
"If the inflow continues to decrease, we will need to reassess the shortage," stated an IRSA announcement.
Officials at the meeting highlighted fears of a projected 21% shortage in early Kharif water availability, a crucial time for planting summer crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
Under normal conditions, the anticipated water shortage from June to September would be around 7%. However, with the disruption of water from India, this figure is expected to rise to 21%.
"The committee has decided to implement a conjunctive use strategy to manage water from the Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs. This approach aims to ensure that provinces receive their designated share despite the diminished river flows," the IRSA statement noted.
The water crisis poses a significant threat to Pakistan's agriculture sector, which employs over 38% of the workforce and contributes approximately 20% to the nation's GDP.
"Extended shortages could disrupt crop cycles, lower yields, and further drive up food prices, endangering millions who rely on these agricultural products for their livelihoods," warned analyst Israr Khan.
Experts have cautioned that the reduced water supply could have devastating consequences, particularly during the planting season.
"The lack of water, especially in the sowing months, may adversely affect rural incomes, export revenues, and food security. The cotton yield, crucial for Pakistan's textile industry, could suffer significantly if irrigation shortages continue," Khan emphasized.
Concerns about the water shortage intensified after India closed all sluice gates at the Salal and Baglihar hydropower dams in Raesi and Ramban districts on Sunday, without any formal notification.