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IRSA Approves Monthly Water Distribution Plan Amid 43% Shortage for Sindh & Punjab
The IRSA Advisory Committee has decided to distribute water only for April and a week in May, instead of the full Kharif season. Sindh and Punjab will receive 43% less water, while Sindh’s demand for measurement at Guddu Barrage was rejected.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-27
IRSA Approves Monthly Water Distribution Plan Amid 43% Shortage for Sindh & Punjab

Islamabad: In an unprecedented decision, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Advisory Committee has opted to distribute water on a monthly basis instead of the entire Kharif season, citing climate uncertainties and lower water availability.

The committee, chaired by IRSA Chairman Sahibzada Muhammad Shabbir, declared a 43% water shortage for Sindh and Punjab during April and the first week of May. The meeting was attended by IRSA members from all provinces, irrigation secretaries, WAPDA officials, and the Meteorological Department.

Key Decisions & Concerns:

Water will be allocated monthly instead of the full Kharif season
Next IRSA meeting scheduled for the first week of May
Sindh’s demand for water measurement at Guddu Barrage instead of Chashma rejected
1991 Water Accord overlooked again in favor of a three-way formula
WAPDA directed to prioritize water storage over power generation

Sindh and Balochistan strongly opposed the three-way water distribution formula, while Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and federal representatives supported it. The ongoing water crisis is further exacerbated by below-average snowfall (31% less than usual) and expected lower rainfall from April to June, as reported by the Meteorological Department.

The decision to manage water month-by-month raises concerns over future shortages, with experts warning of potential agricultural and economic impacts.
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Irsa

WaterCrisis

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