Latest news with #WaterandPowerDevelopmentAuthority
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
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.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Global water organisation launched to tackle crisis
The newly established Global Water Organisation (GWO) has officially commenced operations from its headquarters in Riyadh, following the signing of its founding charter by eight nations including Pakistan during an inaugural meeting in the Saudi capital. According to a statement from the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) on Sunday, the launching event "marked a major milestone in fostering international collaboration to address global water challenges." Federal Minister for Water Resources Mueen Wattoo represented Pakistan at the invitation of Saudi Arabia Minister of Environment Abdul Rahman Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadley to share the country's perspective. "Pakistan along with other founding members signed the GWO charter, formally committing to the organisation's shared vision of strengthening international cooperation on water scarcity, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience, particularly in arid and water-stressed regions," it said. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the organisation brings together founding members from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Greece, Senegal, Pakistan, and Mauritania, united by a shared commitment to sustainable water resource management.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
WAPDA issuesinflow, outflow data for water reservoirs
A destitute couple braves the polluted waters of Nullah Leh in Rawalpindi, searching for discarded items to salvage in Dhok Ratta, Rawalpindi. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has issued inflow and outflow data of water in rivers and water reservoirs. According to statistics issued by Wapda, the water inflow at Tarbela Dam in Indus River was recorded at 1,76,600 cusec and outflow at 1,26,900 cusec, while the water inflow and outflow at Nowshera in Kabul River was registered at 43,000 cusec and 43,000 cusec. Likewise, water inflow and outflow at Khairabad Bridge stood at 1,36,900 cusec and 1,36,900 cusec; inflow and outflow at Mangla in Jhelum River, 43,300 cusec and 18,000 cusec; inflow and outflow at Marala in Chenab, 46,100 cusec and 20,400 cusec. The minimum operating level of Tarbela Dam was recorded at 1402 feet, current level of water in the reservoir at 1473.21 feet, and the maximum level of water storage at 1,550 feet. Similarly, the minimum operating level of Mangla was recoded at 1050 feet, current level of water in the reservior at 1154.90 feet, and the maximum level of water storage at 1,242 feet. In addition, the minimum operating level of Chashma Barrage was recorded as 638.15 feet, current level of water in the reservoir at 644.40 feet, and the maximum level of water storage at 649 feet. The recent escalation between Pakistan and India has brought the water reservoirs into limelight as India threatened to suspend the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Pakistan plans sustainable sukuk: IFR
Pakistan is planning to raise Rs20bn–Rs30bn (US$71m–$106.5m) from a debut sustainable sukuk to finance hydropower projects. The deal comes after the government approved a sustainable investment sukuk framework in April. Meezan Bank, Bank Alfalah, Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan and Bank Islami Pakistan are structuring advisers on the programme, according to local media. The target projects are the Garuk storage dam in the western Balochistan province, the Naigaj dam in the southeastern Sindh province and the Shagarthang hydropower project in the city of Skardu in Kashmir. The projects are underway but will require an additional Rs52bn in funding. The issue will mark the government's first debt instruments tied to ESG assets. Government agency Water and Power Development Authority in 2021 issued a US$500m 10-year green bond to fund hydropower projects. The sukuk will be sold via auction on Pakistan Stock Exchange. The tenor is unknown. The sovereign's domestic ratings are Caa2/B–/CCC+, according to LSEG data.
News18
08-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Islamabad, Rawalpindi Have Water Left For Just 35 Days As Critical Dam Nears 'Dead Level': Report
Last Updated: India last week suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a decades-old agreement with Pakistan seen as a vital lifeline for downstream regions, in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack A dire water crisis is fast unfolding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in Pakistan as the once-reliable Khanpur Dam inches toward depletion, exposing rocks and parched land where once water flowed freely. India last week suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a decades-old agreement seen as a vital lifeline for downstream regions, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack which was traced to Pakistan-based terror groups. The Khanpur Dam, a major source of potable water for Rawalpindi and Islamabad, now holds only enough reserves to last about 35 days, according to figures reported by Dawn News. The dam, located on the Haro River, a minor tributary of the Indus, has seen water levels plunge dramatically due to prolonged dry weather and dwindling rainfall. As of Tuesday, May 7, the water level stood at 1,935 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), just 25 feet above the 'dead level" – the point at which the dam can no longer supply water. The natural springs that feed the dam's catchment area have dried up, said an official from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), attributing the situation to a relentless drought and sparse rainfall. The official noted that the current inflow is a meagre 82 cusecs, while the daily outflow has reached 235 cusecs – an imbalance that is rapidly draining reserves. Of that outflow, 90 cusecs are being supplied daily to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which oversees water distribution in Islamabad. Smaller consumers, such as the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Taxila, are receiving around 6.18 cusecs. Meanwhile, agricultural allocations are under threat: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab irrigation departments are currently receiving 48 and 42 cusecs, respectively, but authorities say irrigation supply will be halted entirely starting next week to conserve drinking water. To confront the looming shortage, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Rawalpindi has launched a strict 'Water Control Plan'. This includes a crackdown on illegal water connections, penalties for non-payment of water bills, and restrictions on non-essential water use. WASA Managing Director Mohammad Salim Ashraf said Rawalpindi needs 50 million gallons of water each day but is receiving only 30 million – a shortfall of 20 million gallons. The agency is preparing to implement water rationing measures by mid-May if rainfall doesn't replenish supplies soon. Authorities warn that without immediate relief, even the provision of drinking water could be compromised. Satellite images and eyewitness reports show dried-up channels and exposed bedrock in parts of the Khanpur reservoir, especially near the spillway and main storage areas. The dam lies about 40 kilometres from Islamabad and 15 kilometres from Haripur, traditionally serving as a critical resource for both cities. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
