Pakistan to Begin Rabi Season with Record Water Storage Levels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to enter the upcoming Rabi season 2025-26 with record water reserves, as storage levels in major reservoirs have reached almost 99 percent of capacity. Officials confirmed that more than 13.1 million acre feet (MAF) of water is currently available — the healthiest carryover in years. With Tarbela Dam at full conservation level (1,550 feet), Mangla Dam near its maximum, and Chashma Barrage also recording peak levels, the country is expected to face minimal shortages. Experts believe this surplus will particularly benefit wheat production, boosting national food security after recent flood damage.

Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma Reservoirs Near Full Capacity

• • Tarbela Dam: full conservation level of 1,550 feet
  • Mangla Dam: 1,239.6 feet, holding 7.1 MAF
  • Chashma Barrage: peak level of 649 feet

13.1 MAF Water Stored — Highest in Recent Years

• • Last year’s total storage: 11.38 MAF
  • Current year’s storage: 13.1 MAF, near 13.3 MAF peak
• Officials noted that while Mangla’s inflows remain low, this year’s level already surpasses the past two years, offering relief for irrigation planners.
• According to the Indus River System Authority (Irsa), water availability for Rabi crops is expected to reach 35–36 MAF, against a requirement of 37–38 MAF.
• Agricultural Outlook: Wheat, the largest Rabi crop, is likely to gain the most from improved water availability. Other crops include gram, lentil, barley, tobacco, rapeseed, and mustard.
• Authorities, however, cautioned that floodwaters in Punjab have left behind heavy sand deposits on farmland, which may affect crop yields until land rehabilitation is complete.
• Provinces have not yet placed fresh water indents due to ongoing flood conditions in Sindh and Punjab. Irsa’s technical committee meetings will be called once the situation stabilises.
• Since April 1, around 24 MAF of floodwater has flowed into the sea — nearly double the combined storage of Tarbela and Mangla — underlining the need for better water management.

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