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IRSA Declares 13% National Water Shortage; Sindh Faces 25% Deficit
IRSA reports a 13% national water shortage, with Sindh hit hardest at 25%, while Punjab faces just 4%. Sindh receives only 25,000 cusecs against a demand of 34,000 cusecs.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-08
IRSA Declares 13% National Water Shortage; Sindh Faces 25% Deficit

The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has declared a 13% total water shortage across Pakistan as of March 7, 2025. However, Sindh is facing the most severe deficit of 25%, while Punjab’s shortage is limited to 4%.

Sindh vs Punjab Water Allocation

🔹 Punjab’s indent: 44,700 cusecs | Supplied: 42,700 cusecs (4% shortage)
🔹 Sindh’s indent: 34,000 cusecs | Supplied: 25,000 cusecs (25% shortage)

Meanwhile, water shortages are rising in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, worsening the crisis.

Controversial Increase in Punjab’s Water Supply

Amid Sindh’s shortage, Punjab has significantly increased its water intake:

✅ Taunsa Barrage: Water supply increased from 3,100 cusecs to 8,500 cusecs (125%-140% increase).
✅ Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC): Supply increased from 1,500 cusecs to 3,200 cusecs.

Severe Shortages at Sindh Barrages

According to Sindh’s Irrigation Department, the water shortage has reached:

🔻 Guddu and Sukkur Barrages: 33% shortage
🔻 Panjnad Barrage: 2,928 cusecs of water released to compensate

With Sindh already facing an acute water crisis, the imbalanced distribution of water resources between Punjab and Sindh is likely to further escalate tensions between the provinces.
Tagged:

PUNJAB

Irsa

WaterShortage

SindhWaterCrisis
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