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Officials in awe as major rivers in key region show remarkable rise: 'This is already being felt at local population level'
Water levels in Pakistan's major rivers and dams have stabilized just in time for the summer surge. The Water and Power Development Authority released new data confirming healthy water supply conditions that are crucial for irrigation and power generation during the high-demand season, Minute Mirror reported. This steady flow means relief for millions of farmers and families who depend on these waters to grow crops and keep the lights on when temperatures soar. The Indus River, which forms the backbone of Pakistan's water system, is carrying an impressive 108,400 cubic feet of water per second, with 82,000 cusecs flowing downstream, right on track with what experts expect this time of year. Other vital rivers such as the Jhelum and Chenab are also holding strong, delivering the right amounts to sustain agriculture across Punjab and beyond. Meanwhile, key reservoirs are acting as reliable water banks. Pakistan's largest, the Tarbela Dam, is holding 1.51 million acre-feet of water, while Mangla Dam follows closely with about 1.48 MAF. Together with Chashma Reservoir's 0.263 MAF, these reserves provide a vital buffer that secures both agriculture and hydropower production for the months ahead. This positive outlook comes amid ongoing challenges. On April 23, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement that allowed India and Pakistan to share water from the Indus Basin. According to Time, he declared that "India's water will be used for India's interests," sparking concern across Pakistan's already water-stressed regions. Pakistan's water system is already under intense pressure from extreme weather caused by the changing climate. Superfloods, melting glaciers, and prolonged droughts have made the timing of water flows increasingly erratic. After 2022 floods killed more than 1,700 people, over 10 million were left without access to safe drinking water. "There's been quite a lot of difficulty for local populations to have access to water on a consistent basis," Bhargabi Bharadwaj, a research associate at the Environment and Society Centre at Chatham House, told Time. "This is already being felt at local population level, even scrapping this most recent escalation on the Indus Water Treaty agreement." Still, WAPDA's careful monitoring and planning offer a measure of stability in uncertain times. With rivers flowing steadily and reservoirs stocked, Pakistan enters the summer season with a critical advantage — not only for growing food and keeping the power on, but also for advancing a more sustainable future powered by hydropower. Amid rising regional tensions and environmental stress, the country's water system remains a pillar of both resilience and hope. Do you take steps to conserve water at home? All the time Usually Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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First Post
26-04-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Afridi accuses India of blame game over Pahalgam attack; Pakistan opener not keen on playing in India: 'Deeply regrettable'
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi also said that 'cricket should be left untouched from any politics' despite the Pahalgam terror attack as he accused India of blame game. read more Shahid Afridi has criticised India blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam terror attack. Images: Shahid Afridi on X/PCB on X Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Shahid Afridi has slammed India for blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam terrorist attack 'without any evidence'. Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Gull Feroza has said that her team is not 'interested in playing in India'. The reactions from the Pakistani side have come after former cricketers in India called to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which at least 26 people lost their lives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In India, Sourav Ganguly and Shreevats Goswami have asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enforce a complete boycott of Pakistan in the cricketing spectrum. Afridi says India is shifting blame to Pakistan On Friday, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi criticised the Indian government for shifting the blame to Pakistan for the terror attack despite not having any evidence. 'It is deeply regrettable that India has once again resorted to blame-shifting without any evidence. Such actions only escalate tensions and impede the peace efforts in the region,' Afridi said in a statement, as per Pakistan's new portal Minute Mirror. Afridi added that instead of indulging in a blame game, India must take part in dialogue to resolve the issues and cricket should be left untouched from any politics. 'The only way forward is through dialogue. Violence and blame games will only aggravate the situation. Sports, particularly cricket, should be all free from political interference'. Subsequently, Pakistan women's cricket team opener Feroza has said that they are happy playing their upcoming Women's World Cup matches at a neutral venue and not in India. As per the agreement between BCCI, International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), India and Pakistan will play their matches at a neutral venue whenever a global tournament is hosted in either of the countries till 2027. Pakistan openers says 'not interested in playing in India' India are the designated host of the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup but Pakistan will be playing their matches at a neutral venue. 'We know this much that we will play in Asian conditions and we are not playing in India. This is clear. Neither are we interested in playing in India,' Feroza told PakPassion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'So, wherever it is played - hopefully in Sri Lanka or Dubai - those conditions are similar to the ones you get in Asia. The Qualifiers were at home, and the staff prepared tracks accordingly. Wherever the World Cup games are played, the conditions will be similar to those we have at home. So, our preparation will be according to that, and we are ready for that,' she added.
