Tarbela Dam reservoir filled to capacity: Wapda
ISLAMABAD: Tarbela Dam reservoir has been filled to its maximum capacity of 1,550 feet, a spokesman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) confirmed on Thursday.
According to Wapda, the Tarbela reservoir currently holds 5.7268 million-acre-feet (MAF) of water, which is 100% of its designed capacity. The inflow of water in the Indus River at Tarbela has been recorded at 268,300 cusecs, while the outflow is 238,900 cusecs.
At Mangla Dam, the water level has reached 1,217.45 feet, which is 74.52% of its total capacity of 1,242 feet. The total water stored at Mangla stands at 5.423 MAF, with the Jhelum River’s inflow recorded at 38,600 cusecs and outflow at 7,000 cusecs.
Meanwhile, the inflow of the Indus River at Chashma Barrage has been recorded at 403,500 cusecs, with an outflow of 351,600 cusecs, and storage at 94,000 acre-feet. Overall, the total water storage in the country has now reached 11.245 million-acre-feet.
According to Wapda, the Indus River is currently in high flood at Guddu Barrage and in medium flood at Taunsa and Sukkur barrages. The river is in low flood at Kalabagh and Chashma barrages, while levels are below low at Kotri Barrage downstream.
What happens when Tarbela Dam is full?
Filling Tarbela Dam to capacity has significant implications. On the positive side, hydropower generation reaches its peak, reducing reliance on costly imported fuel and ensuring a supply of clean electricity to the national grid. The stored water also supports irrigation needs in Punjab and Sindh, particularly for crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
However, once the dam is full, excess inflows from heavy rains or glacier melt must be released immediately. This controlled discharge can increase the risk of flooding in downstream areas, particularly at Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages. Wapda coordinates closely with provincial irrigation departments to manage these risks.
In addition, having the reservoir at full capacity ensures water security for the upcoming Rabi season when river flows naturally decline, supporting winter crops and meeting household needs.
The situation highlights both the benefits and challenges of managing one of Pakistan’s most critical water and power assets.
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