Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) confirmed that Mangla Dam has reached its full conservation level of 1,242 feet, marking a significant milestone in the country’s water resource management. This development comes after Tarbela Dam and Chashma Barrage had already achieved their maximum capacity earlier this year, creating a rare scenario in which Pakistan’s major reservoirs are simultaneously filled to their designed limits.
According to WAPDA, the current water volume at Mangla stands at 7.277 million acre-feet (MAF), while Tarbela and Chashma have contributed additional storage, bringing the total combined capacity of these key reservoirs to 13.316 MAF. Officials stated that this situation is a major positive indicator for the agricultural and energy sectors, both of which are heavily dependent on stable water availability.
The filling of these reservoirs is expected to provide critical support for the upcoming Rabi cropping season, ensuring sufficient irrigation water for farmers across the country. Agriculture remains a vital contributor to Pakistan’s GDP, and reliable water supplies can help stabilize yields, enhance food security, and support rural livelihoods. Analysts say this storage level may also help reduce stress on groundwater reserves, which have been under growing pressure due to years of over-extraction.
Beyond agriculture, these water levels carry significant implications for power generation. WAPDA highlighted ongoing work on the Mangla Refurbishment Project, which aims to increase the dam’s hydropower generation capacity from 1,000 megawatts to 1,310 megawatts. By modernizing equipment and improving efficiency, the project is expected to contribute additional clean energy to the national grid and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Officials emphasized that Tarbela, which reached its full reservoir level of 1,550 feet earlier in August, remains the country’s primary hydropower source. With water at optimal levels, it can sustain higher generation capacity, contributing directly to the country’s electricity supply and reducing pressure on thermal power plants. Chashma, although smaller in comparison, continues to play an important role in balancing flows and supporting downstream agricultural needs.
This year’s improved water availability has been attributed to strong monsoon inflows and better reservoir management strategies. Experts note that Pakistan’s ability to store water effectively is a critical factor in managing its vulnerability to climate variability, including droughts and erratic rainfall patterns. However, they also caution that maintaining optimal storage levels will require coordinated release and utilization to prevent wastage or flooding risks.
The positive development comes at a time when the country is seeking to reduce energy costs, stabilize its power supply, and strengthen food security. Energy analysts believe that with all three major reservoirs at maximum capacity, Pakistan has a rare opportunity to enhance both hydropower output and agricultural productivity in the coming months.
WAPDA has assured that regular monitoring and controlled water releases will be carried out to manage downstream flow and ensure optimal usage. Officials reiterated their commitment to advancing infrastructure projects that increase both storage capacity and power generation efficiency in the long term.
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