Water level in Khanpur Dam declines significantly, raising supply concerns in twin cities

RAWALPINDI:  The water level in the Khanpur Dam has declined significantly, and it may only last for a few days, according to the official data released on Saturday.

The water level in Khanpur dam has declined from 1982 feet to 1930 feet, which is just 20 feet higher than its dead level of 1910 feet. This has raised alarm bells and questions concerning the possible impact it may have on the water supply to Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The daily water inflow was recorded on Saturday at a mere 57 cusecs, with an outflow of 186 cusecs per day indicating a widening gap between the amounts of water being taken and what is available.

On Friday, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) released a total of 164,253 cusecs of water, including from the various rim stations, with an inflow of 183,318 cusecs.

According to other data provided by IRSA, the water in the River Indus at Tarbela Dam was approximately 1464.93 feet, or 62.93 feet over the dead level of 1402.00 feet.

The inflow and outflow of water in the dam are as follows: inflow of 91,800 cusecs versus outflow of 82,000 cusecs. The water level of the River Jhelum at Mangla Dam is recorded at 1145.95 feet, or 95.95 feet over its dead level of 1050 feet.

Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu, and Sukkur‘s water releases were recorded as 106,037, 86,051, 55,151, and 19,300 cusecs, respectively.

Similalry from river Kabul a total of 34,900 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 3,470 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.