Sindh is on the verge of a severe water crisis as the province’s main water reservoirs are almost empty. The Irrigation Department has issued a critical warning that the Mangla and Tarbela dams have only enough water to last for about 4-5 days. If the situation doesn’t improve, the province could face extreme water shortages, affecting millions of people.
Dams Running Dry Due to Low Rainfall
The current drought is a result of minimal rainfall during the Rabi season of 2024-25. The latest reports from the Sindh Irrigation Department show alarming figures: as of March 3, 2025, Tarbela Dam holds just 0.102 million acre-feet of water, while Mangla Dam has only 0.226 million acre-feet remaining. These dangerously low levels are putting the entire province at risk.
Major Cities Already Feeling the Impact
Cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana are already experiencing the effects of the crisis. Water supply to homes and businesses has started to decrease, and if the situation continues, agriculture and drinking water availability will be severely impacted. The department has warned that water shortages could exceed 50% throughout March and into the next season.
Possible Water Rationing Ahead
To manage the crisis, authorities are considering introducing strict water distribution measures. They have urged for a systematic approach to ensure fair allocation of available water resources. Water rationing could soon be implemented to prevent a complete breakdown of supply.
A Call for Urgent Action
The situation demands immediate action from both the government and the public. Water conservation efforts, responsible usage, and emergency management plans are essential to avoid worsening the crisis. If timely steps are not taken, Sindh could face one of its worst water shortages in history.
This developing situation highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions, including better water management, investment in alternative water sources, and policies to combat the effects of climate change on water resources.
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