Water Level in Tarbela Dam Drops Close to Dead Level

Pakistan’s largest hydroelectric reservoir, the Tarbela Dam, is facing a serious crisis. The water level has fallen to just 48 feet above its dead storage level, triggering alarm among energy experts, farmers, and government officials. Immediate action is needed to avoid disruption to power generation and irrigation during the crucial Kharif (summer) crop season.

Officials from the Ministry of Energy and the hydrology departments say prolonged dry spells have cut inflows to the reservoir. As of June 18:

• Water level stands at 1,450.85 ft, merely 48 ft above the dead level—the point at which water cannot be used via dam outlets. All 17 power units remain operational, but current water volume allows only 1,413 MW output, far below the dam’s 4,888 MW capacity 

Without rain, experts warn the level may soon slip below dead storage, halting hydropower and disrupting the water supply.

• At full capacity, Tarbela can generate 4,888 MW, but current output is limited to 1,413 MW, less than one-third due to low water. 

• This shortfall adds pressure on thermal plants and raises the risk of load shedding, especially as temperatures continue to climb in summer.

Agriculture faces serious risks as Tarbela also supplies irrigation water across Punjab and Sindh for essential crops like rice, maize, and cotton.

• Indian control over the Chenab River inflows has reduced water delivery to Pakistan’s dams 

• Agriculture experts warn that water shortage could delay sowing and reduce yields, with negative impacts on food security and farmers’ incomes.

Dead storage (1,402 ft) is the minimum level below which water cannot be released through the dam outlets.

Once crossed, hydropower generation stops, and irrigation supply cannot continue.

According to hydrologists, without rain soon, the level could reach dead storage in a matter of weeks.

• Severe dry weather – Lack of rains and reduced snowmelt in the Indus basin.

• India’s water regulation – Lower Chenab inflows following dams in Jammu & Kashmir 

• High outflow demand – Releasing more water than is inflowing to meet irrigation and environmental needs.

• Ministry of Energy:

  “If rainfall does not resume, we may soon hit dead storage—this will hit power and farming.”

• Agricultural analyst:

  “Kharif sowing is beginning. Water shortage delays planting, risking crop failure.”

• Hydrology expert:

  “Tarbela’s situation shows Pakistan’s reliance on water can’t be ignored—climate change makes governance critical.”

Tarbela isn’t alone; other dams like Mangla are also nearing critical levels. The Indus basin is under stress:

• Reduced overall flows—down more than 15%

• This threatens national water security and agricultural stability.

• Rainfall needed — Immediate monsoon rains are critical.

• Water rationing — Lower outflow to conserve reserves for power and crops.

• Coordination — WAPDA, provincial governments, and IRSA must act together.

• Long-term fixes — Improve storage via dams like Diamer-Bhasha and Tarbela Extension 

With Tarbela’s reservoir just 48 feet from a dangerous dry state, Pakistan must act swiftly. Rainfall and smart water use are crucial. Long-term, building more storage and better management are essential to protect the nation's energy, farming, and water security.