Tarbela Upgrade Delays Push Sindh Toward Kharif Water Crisis

A fresh dispute has emerged over water availability as Sindh warns of severe shortages during the upcoming kharif season due to delays at Tarbela Dam.

Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro has accused WAPDA of failing to complete key projects within the 33-month deadline set by Indus River System Authority in 2022, with the timeline expiring in June 2025.

Due to ongoing work on Tunnel-4 and Tunnel-5, water outflows from Tarbela have already been restricted to 150,000 cusecs and could drop to just 45,000 cusecs during repairs. This comes at a critical time when Sindh’s sowing season is underway.

Further delays in testing the Tunnel-4 low-level outlet (now pushed to May 2026) may worsen the situation, potentially cutting off up to 75,000 cusecs of water supply. Officials warn this could disrupt irrigation nationwide, especially in Sindh where early kharif crops and rice cultivation depend heavily on steady water flows.

With tensions rising, the federal government has called an urgent meeting, while IRSA is set to review water availability ahead of the season.