Islamabad: The Government of Punjab has raised concerns over extensive water discharge from Taunsa barrage to Kotri barrage, according to a news report. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has been asked to formulate a committee to look into the heavy discharges from both barrages.
As a result of these heavy discharges, the crop-producing provinces, Sindh and Punjab have been hit the worst during Kharif season. IRSA arranged a meeting on 14th May 2018, which was chaired by IRSA Chairman Ahmed Kamal and attended by its members from Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), WAPDA Chief Engineer Hydrology, and Director Pakistan Meteorological Department.
IRSA spokesperson Khalid Rana said in a statement that the water flows have remained 15% below the anticipated levels. Quoting statistics, Rana highlighted that Punjab is facing 47% water shortage, whereas Sindh is facing 53% shortage. He also added that with 50% less snow in catchment areas, the country is primarily relying on monsoon for its water needs.
The water crisis is causing problems in power generation as well, because of which there are extensive power outages all across the country. According to Rana, IRSA will again review water situation in mid-June after issuance of monsoon predictions by the Meteorological Department.
