Irsa okays 22pc lower water share for Rabi

Dawn reported that the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) approved a 22 per cent reduction in water allocation for the Rabi season, which runs from October 1 to March 31. The water regulator voiced concern on Tuesday over prolonged delays in key projects that are worsening shortages. Under a de facto three-tier formula, the cuts fall only on Sindh and Punjab, while Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are exempted from supply reductions.

Rabi water availability is projected at 29.18 MAF, compared with 38 MAF under the 1991 Water Accord. Punjab is allocated 15.564 MAF and Sindh 11.748 MAF, while Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa get 1.171 MAF and 0.71 MAF. According to informed sources, Punjab, Wapda and Irsa's own calculations all pointed to a 26 per cent shortage, but Sindh's insistence led to a lower approved figure.

The sources also said more than 3 million acre feet could not be stored at Tarbela dam because of Wapda filling restrictions linked to ongoing works. Irsa urged early completion of the tunnel-4 low-level outlet and the Tunnel-5 hydropower project, which are already substantially delayed. Wapda has indicated full Tarbela capacity will not be available in the 2027 and 2028 Kharif seasons.