Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has announced a significant increase in water shares for Punjab and Sindh provinces for the early Kharif season of 2024. The decision came during an emergent meeting held at the IRSA Headquarters, chaired by Abdul Hameed Mengal, Chairman IRSA/ Member Balochistan.
Under the revised allocations, Punjab’s water share has been raised from 9.266 Million Acre Feet (MAF) to 12.424 MAF, representing a substantial increment of 3.158 MAF. Similarly, Sindh Province will benefit from an enhanced water allocation, with its share raised from 5.548 MAF to 8.292 MAF for Kharif 2024, an increase of 2.744 MAF.
The decision reflects IRSA’s commitment to ensuring equitable water distribution among the provinces to support agricultural activities and mitigate water scarcity challenges. Additionally, other water distribution parameters decided in the IRSA Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting held on April 2, 2024, will remain unchanged.
WAPDA authorities presented information indicating that the restriction of filling Tarbela Dam to the level of 1470 ft by July 20, 2024, could potentially be expedited to June 30, 2024, without disrupting existing works. Consequently, IRSA decided to maintain the water level at Tarbela Dam at 1470 ft by June 30, 2024, instead of the previously scheduled date of July 20, 2024. IRSA also encouraged WAPDA to fill the dam up to 1475 ft in the next 10 days, if feasible, to accommodate variations in river inflows.
The decision underscores IRSA’s proactive approach to addressing water management issues and optimizing water resource utilization. The increased water allocations aim to bolster agricultural productivity, contribute to food security, and provide farmers in Punjab and Sindh with improved access to water resources crucial for crop cultivation during the Kharif season.
IRSA’s decision to allocate additional water shares upholds the principles of equitable water distribution outlined in the Water Apportionment Accord (WAA) 1991 and aims to address pressing water management challenges while ensuring efficient utilization of available water resources.
