Water and Power Development Authority reports Tarbela Dam has dried up at 1,402 feet, while Mangla and Chashma Barrage also hit dead levels, worsening Pakistan’s water crisis.
Pakistan is grappling with a worsening water crisis as its major reservoirs have reached dead levels, severely impacting hydropower generation and increasing the strain on the country’s energy supply. The ongoing drought has exacerbated the situation, raising concerns over power shortages and agricultural setbacks.
According to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Tarbela Dam has completely dried up at its dead level of 1,402 feet, rendering it unusable for water storage. Mangla Dam, with a current water level of 1,054 feet, has also reached its dead level, holding just 77,000 acre-feet of water. Meanwhile, Chashma Barrage is in a similar state, with a water level of 638 feet and only 9,000 acre-feet of usable water remaining.
The total water stored in Pakistan’s reservoirs stands at an alarming 86,000 acre-feet, according to WAPDA data. Inflows and outflows remain precariously balanced: Tarbela recorded an inflow of 18,300 cusecs and an outflow of 20,000 cusecs; Mangla saw an inflow of 23,200 cusecs against an outflow of 20,400 cusecs, while Chashma Barrage registered 30,100 cusecs inflow and 27,000 cusecs outflow.
The sharp decline in water levels has led to a significant drop in hydropower generation, which has plummeted to just 1,000 MW from the country’s total hydropower capacity of 10,000 MW. At Tarbela Dam, 16 of the 17 power units have shut down, leaving only one operational and producing 350 MW. Ghazi Barotha is contributing 400 MW, while Warsak is generating just 60 MW. Other sources provide 240 MW, but the overall power deficit remains critical.
Experts warn that unless immediate water management measures are put in place, Pakistan could experience prolonged power outages and significant disruptions in agriculture. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has already sounded the alarm for Punjab and Sindh, cautioning that both provinces may face a water shortage of up to 35 per cent for the remainder of the crop season.
In a letter to irrigation secretaries, IRSA’s Director of Regulation, Khalid Idrees Rana, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the provinces may have to rely on a run-of-the-river mode, severely limiting water availability for irrigation and power production.
With Pakistan’s energy and food security at stake, experts stress the need for urgent and effective water conservation strategies to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.
Another crisis: Waste
Islamabad’s I-11 fruit and vegetable market has become a major public health hazard due to unchecked waste disposal, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability. The market, which serves as the city’s primary hub for fresh produce trade, is now plagued by heaps of rotting fruits and vegetables, emitting a foul stench that affects businesses, commuters, and nearby residents.
Despite repeated complaints from the public, authorities have failed to take decisive action to address the problem. The negligence of both market vendors and the responsible departments has exacerbated the crisis, leading to environmental and health risks.
The market, commonly referred to as Sabzi Mandi, has effectively turned into a dumping ground for unsold perishable items. Traders routinely discard rotten produce without any structured waste management system in place. The Market Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the market’s operations, has faced criticism for its inaction. Attempts to seek a response from Market Committee Secretary Muhammad Saqib went unanswered, reflecting a broader lack of accountability in tackling the issue.
Similarly, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Sanitation Directorate, responsible for waste disposal across Islamabad, has also failed to address the growing concern. Repeated efforts to obtain comments from CDA officials have gone unacknowledged, further intensifying frustration among the affected communities.
Environmental and health experts have raised alarms over the dire consequences of the market’s waste mismanagement. According to environmental specialist Maria Khan, the rotting organic waste releases methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to air pollution and climate change. Additionally, leachate from decomposing produce can seep into groundwater, leading to contamination and severe health risks for the surrounding population.
“The failure to implement proper waste disposal mechanisms is not only an environmental issue but a direct threat to public health. If this continues, we could see an increase in respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases in the area,” Khan warned.
Beyond health hazards, the waste crisis is also affecting the local economy. A multinational cash-and-carry store located near the market has reported declining footfall due to the overpowering odour and unsanitary conditions.
“Customers are hesitant to visit the store because of the unbearable smell,” a store employee revealed on condition of anonymity. He further noted that no concrete timeline has been given by the authorities to resolve the issue, leaving both residents and businesses disheartened.
Market vendors, too, have expressed frustration over the lack of guidance from the Market Committee. According to traders, the committee has not taken any steps to educate shopkeepers on proper waste disposal methods or provided incentives to encourage responsible waste management.
Experts are calling for the urgent implementation of sustainable waste management practices to contain the problem before it worsens. Key recommendations include enforcing waste segregation at the source, introducing composting facilities to convert organic waste into fertiliser, and setting stricter regulations on how vendors handle unsold goods. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to educating traders and customers on the impact of waste mismanagement.
Immediate action from the CDA Sanitation Directorate is necessary to clear the existing waste and establish regular clean-up operations. Without swift intervention, Islamabad’s largest fruit and vegetable market risks becoming a permanent health and environmental hazard.
