ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s water reservoirs have accumulated more than 6.25 million acre-feet (MAF) of water during the ongoing Kharif season, with monsoon inflows continuing to strengthen storage levels across the country’s major dams. However, water managers remain concerned over the absence of upstream hydrological data from India following the suspension of information sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty.
According to the latest figures available on July 21, 2026, Pakistan has stored 6.257 MAF of water against its total live storage capacity of 13.149 MAF, reflecting steady gains in reservoir levels amid increasing monsoon flows.
The combined inflows into the country’s major reservoirs currently stand at 507,700 cusecs, while total outflows are being maintained at 361,500 cusecs as authorities carefully regulate water releases to meet irrigation requirements and manage the rising inflows.
An official of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) told The News that Tarbela Dam currently holds 3.395 MAF of water, Mangla Dam has stored 3.011 MAF, while Chashma Barrage contains 0.121 MAF.
At Tarbela, inflows have reached 285,700 cusecs, with outflows being regulated at 210,000 cusecs. Chashma Barrage is receiving 263,700 cusecs and releasing 225,000 cusecs, while Mangla Dam is recording inflows of 80,500 cusecs against comparatively low outflows of 10,000 cusecs, allowing the reservoir to build storage rapidly.
The official said reservoir operations are being managed cautiously as heavy monsoon rains continue to swell river flows.
“Both major reservoirs are currently witnessing flood-like conditions, prompting Wapda to actively manage reservoir operations to safely regulate inflows while maximizing water conservation,” the official said.
Despite the improving water situation, IRSA has continued to keep releases downstream of Kotri Barrage at minimal levels. Between April 1 and July 21, only 0.138 MAF of water was released below Kotri, primarily to check seawater intrusion into the Indus delta.
The official, however, said downstream releases are expected to increase substantially in the coming days as river flows continue to improve during the peak monsoon period.
Meanwhile, all the four provinces are receiving their full indented irrigation supplies to support Kharif cultivation.
The IRSA official said river conditions are also being monitored closely across the Indus basin, particularly at Marala Headworks on the Chenab River, where inflows have increased to 102,400 cusecs, while outflows are being maintained at 80,100 cusecs.
He said the rise in Chenab flows appears to be linked to recent rainfall in the river’s catchment areas. However, the authority is unable to independently verify the source and magnitude of upstream flows because India has stopped sharing real-time hydrological data with Pakistan.
