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Mangla Dam Reaches Dead Level; Tarbela Nearing Critical Mark
Mangla Dam water level hits dead level at 1050 feet, halting water release. Tarbela Dam just 3 feet above dead level, expected to reach critical point in 36 hours.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-15
Mangla Dam Reaches Dead Level; Tarbela Nearing Critical Mark

The water level in Mangla Dam has reached dead level (1050 feet), forcing authorities to halt water release, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) confirmed.

A WAPDA spokesperson further warned that Tarbela Dam is only 3 feet away from its dead level and could reach that threshold within the next 36 hours if inflows remain low.

Current Water Levels & Storage

According to WAPDA:
📉 Mangla Dam – Dead level reached at 1050 feet, storage at 72,000 acre-feet
📉 Tarbela Dam – 1402 feet, storage at 15,000 acre-feet
📉 Chashma Barrage – Storage at 15,000 acre-feet

Total combined water storage in Mangla, Tarbela, and Chashma now stands at 102,000 acre-feet, significantly below safe levels.

River Inflows & Outflows

🔹 Tarbela (Indus River) – Inflow: 22,200 cusecs, Outflow: 20,000 cusecs
🔹 Mangla (Jhelum River) – Inflow: 19,900 cusecs, Outflow: 28,000 cusecs
🔹 Chashma Barrage – Inflow: 38,400 cusecs, Outflow: 27,000 cusecs
🔹 Chenab River (Head Marala) – Inflow: 10,800 cusecs, Outflow: 6,100 cusecs
🔹 Kabul River (Nowshera) – Inflow & Outflow: 14,300 cusecs

Implications of Low Water Levels

⚠️ Agricultural Impact: Reduced water availability for Rabi crops, affecting wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables.
⚠️ Power Generation: Hydropower production at Mangla and Tarbela is expected to decline.
⚠️ Drinking Water Supply: Urban centers relying on these reservoirs may face shortages.

Authorities Urge Water Conservation

Experts are urging immediate water conservation efforts and efficient management strategies to mitigate the looming crisis. Officials are also monitoring weather patterns for possible relief from seasonal rains.
Tagged:

WaterCrisis

WaterShortage

ManglaDam

Tarbela
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