The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) on Thursday increased the water shares of Punjab and Sindh by 4.9 percent and 2.94 percent respectively, keeping in view increase in rivers inflows. According to Irsa spokesperson, Rana Khalid, the share of Punjab has been increased from 40,800 cusecs to 42,800 cusecs whereas Sindh would now get 35,000 cusecs of water against earlier share of 34,000 cusecs.
After revision in releases, Punjab would face shortage of 41 percent whereas Sindh will bear a shortage of 24 percent, he said, adding that overall shortage is 36 percent. KPK's share will remain 3,100 cusecs whereas Balochistan is not getting its share due to annual canal closure. Total releases were 77,900 cusecs.
The spokesperson further stated that as per Punjab's demand and share, Chashma-Jehlum Link Canal is opened with discharge of 3000 cusecs despite strong objection by Member Irsa Sindh. Trimmu-Punjnad (TP) is already taking discharge of 1954 cusecs. Punjab is getting 12,000 cusecs from Indus and 30,800 from Jehlum canal. He said supplies from Tarbela have increased from 18,000 cusecs to 23,000 cusecs, which will increase hydel generation which is on the lower side due to reduced releases.
On Thursday, inflows stood at 111,500 cusecs whereas outflows were 82400 cusecs. Storage stood at 0.269 MAF. On March 29, Irsa projected 31 percent water shortage in early Kharif sowing season posing a serious threat for Kharif crops due to higher losses and less water inflows into rivers. Punjab and Sindh would face 31 percent water shortage whereas Balochistan and KPK have been exempted from water shortage during Kharif crop season.
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