22% Water Shortage Projected for Rabi Season 2026-27
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2026) The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Advisory Committee on Tuesday approved an overall 22% water shortage for the Rabi season 2026-27 for Punjab and Sindh.
Key Points:
- The IRSA Advisory Committee (IAC) reviewed anticipated water availability for Rabi 2026-27, considering different inflow scenarios.
- They approved 21.268 MAF (million acre feet) of Rim-Station inflows, accounting for conveyance losses.
- This results in a 22% system-wide shortage for both Punjab and Sindh, subject to periodic review by IRSA Authority.
- The anticipated provincial withdrawals were allocated at 29.183 MAF, slightly higher than the 10-year average.
Kharif Season 2026 Review:
- Actual inflows for Kharif 2026 (Apr-Sep) were 8% less than anticipated and 22% less than last year's inflows.
- Provinces received indented supplies during Late Kharif period and utilized flood supplies under the Water Accord 1991.
- Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan utilized 11%, 7%, 28%, and 58% less than their Accord share respectively.
Other Observations:
- Storage levels on 30.09.2026 were lower than anticipated, 10-year average, and last year's volumes.
- Escapage downstream Kotri during Kharif 2026 was 10.40 MAF, compared to anticipated, 10-year average, and last year's figures.
The IAC also:
- Urged for early completion of ongoing works on WAPDA’s T4 LLO and T5 HPP.
- Approved the closure of Chashma Barrage tentatively from 26th December 2026 to 14th January 2027.