Kharif & Rabi seasons: Irsa depicts worrisome picture of water Availability

The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) on Sunday depicted an extremely worrisome picture of water availability both in Kharif and Rabi seasons if the current weather conditions persist as storage has declined to 0.22 MAF as compared to 3.6 MAF last year, posting a dip of about 94 per cent.
According to Irsa spokesperson, Punjab and Sindh are facing 51 per cent shortage at rim stations whereas at canal head after conveyance losses shortfall would be 65-70 per cent. "There is a big gap in storage and inflows," the spokesperson added.
On Sunday, river inflows were recorded at 112,900 cusecs against 375,100 cusecs same day last year, showing a decrease of about 70 per cent in inflows. The river outflows were 119,300 cusecs. Irsa released 57,500 cusecs to Punjab followed by 55000 cusecs to Sindh, 8000 cusecs to Balochistan and 3100 cusecs to KP, totalling to 123,600 cusecs (average shortage 49 per cent).
The Irsa member from Balochistan lodged a strong protest with Irsa regarding water shortage in canals. He claimed that the shortage in Sindh canals is 63 per cent while they are passing a shortage of 75-80 per cent to Balochistan though Irsa is releasing full supply to the province.
According to him, Chamshma Jehlum(CJ) link canal is closed whereas 1177 cusecs is being released in Taunsa Panjnand (TP). On Sunday, Skardu temperature rose to 25 degree Celsius from 22 degree Celsius. He said with the increase in temperature 'we are hopeful river inflows will increase slightly but it will take about 72 hours to impact on Tarbela inflows.'
"Now exceptional monsoon or exceptional temperature in catchments would ensure filling of dams to full capacity otherwise the situation may worsen not only in Kharif but also in Rabi," he continued.