Islamabad, May 5, 2025 – The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has expressed serious concern over a sharp decline in Chenab River inflows attributed to India’s short supply, warning of a 21% water shortage for the remainder of the Early Kharif season (May–June 10). The announcement was made during the IRSA Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting chaired by Sahibzada Muhammad Shabir at IRSA Headquarters.
The meeting brought together representatives from all IRSA member provinces, WAPDA, Ministry of Water Resources, and key officials from provincial irrigation and agriculture departments, including experts from Mangla and Tarbela dams.
The IAC noted the situation with unanimous concern, highlighting that India’s unexpected reduction in Chenab flows at Marala could worsen shortages if the pattern continues. While the current projection for Late Kharif (June 11–September) shortages stands at 7%, the committee decided that water availability would be monitored daily and strategies adjusted accordingly.
To counter the shortfall, IRSA announced that it would adopt a pragmatic approach to the conjunctive use of reservoirs, ensuring fair distribution of available water to all provinces. Participants vowed to address the crisis in a spirit of national unity, setting aside provincial reservations for the greater good.
