Tarbela water levels have decreased to perilously low levels.
Water levels in the Tarbela Dam have declined to critically low levels, presenting a significant barrier to electricity generation due to insufficient rainfall.
A persistent reduction in water inflow is being documented at the dam due to the current drought. The current water level at Tarbela is 1450.85 feet, which exceeds the dead level of 1402 feet by 48 feet.
A spokeswoman indicated that if the present circumstances continue, an additional decrease in the water level is anticipated. Despite the operational status of all power generation units at the dam, electricity production is constrained. The water input into the dam is 177,400 cusecs, and the outflow is 151,800 cusecs. Although all 17 power generation units are operational, they are currently generating only 1,413 megawatts of electricity, much below their overall potential of 4,888 megawatts. Water reserves are alarmingly deficient.
The complete storage capacity of Tarbela Dam is 1,550 feet; however, the current level is over 100 feet below this threshold.
Water specialists and officials from the Ministry of Energy have cautioned that, should meteorological circumstances fail to ameliorate promptly and precipitation not commence, water levels may decline further. This may not only impact irrigation but also lead to a substantial decrease in power generation.
