ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has reported significant fluctuations in the Chenab River after India released and then restricted water from the Baglihar Dam.
According to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the Chenab saw a sudden rise of 58,300 cusecs in inflow yesterday, following the opening of the Baglihar Dam spillways. However, within 24 hours, the river’s flow dropped sharply by 48,000 cusecs, marking a rare and steep decline.
Currently, the Chenab River’s inflow is 10,100 cusecs, compared to 7,000 cusecs on Monday. Its discharge is reported at 3,800 cusecs. Officials noted that India had released excess water previously but has resumed storing it, raising concerns over potential future shortages downstream.
Authorities warned that continued restrictions on outflows from the Baglihar Dam could reduce water levels in the Chenab, creating challenges for water management in Pakistan. Sudden releases followed by abrupt stoppages make it difficult to maintain consistent water flow, affecting irrigation, hydroelectric power, and local communities.
WAPDA also released updated data on other major rivers and reservoirs:
- Indus River: Inflow 19,100 cusecs, Outflow 28,000 cusecs
- Jhelum River: Inflow 3,400 cusecs, Outflow 35,000 cusecs
- Chashma Barrage: Inflow 27,800 cusecs, Outflow 38,000 cusecs
- Kabul River: Inflow 7,400 cusecs, Outflow 7,400 cusecs
Reservoir levels were also provided:
- Tarbela Dam: 1,489.86 ft water level, storage 2.649 million acre feet
- Mangla Dam: 1,211.20 ft water level, storage 4.988 million acre feet
- Chashma Reservoir: 645.90 ft water level, storage 171,000 acre feet
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The total usable water storage in Pakistan’s reservoirs currently stands at 7.808 million acre feet. Officials continue monitoring the Chenab closely, urging authorities and farmers to remain alert to sudden changes in river flow.
