Water levels at Tarbela Dam have fallen alarmingly close to the dead level due to persistent dry weather, significantly impacting electricity production and raising serious concerns for the country’s power and irrigation needs.
Currently, the dam’s water level stands at just 1450.85 feet—only 48 feet above the dead level of 1402 feet and nearly 100 feet below its full storage capacity. Officials report a continued decline in inflow, which stands at 177,400 cusecs, while the outflow is at 151,800 cusecs.
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Despite all 17 power generation units being operational, Tarbela is generating just 1,413 megawatts of electricity—far below its total capacity of 4,888 megawatts—due to the limited water reserves. Experts warn that if the dry spell persists, the situation may deteriorate further, threatening both irrigation and energy supplies.
The Ministry of Energy has urged for immediate conservation efforts and weather-dependent contingency planning as the nation faces growing stress on its hydropower infrastructure.
