• Chashma outflows raised after protests may take days to reach lower areas of Sindh • Experts question water storage while canals confronted shortages HYDERABAD: The Indus River System Authority ( Irsa) has increased releases downstream of Chashma Barrage to meet Sindh ’ s water requirements, but not before substantial damage had already been inflicted on the sowing of summer crops across the province. Improved releases of 200,000 cusecs were made downstream of Chashma on June 13 and 14. The situation continues to evolve, with further updates anticipated shortly.

Highlights

Context is essential to fully grasping the implications of this development.

However, it is estimated that the additional water would take five days to reach Guddu Barrage and another seven days, meaning 10 to 12 days, to reach Kotri Barrage, where shortages are the majority of acute.

Sindh ’ s indent is supplied at Chashma Barrage regardless of repeated demands that it should be made public at Guddu Barrage to minimise transit losses As noted by to updated flow data, the 200,000-cusec increased flows include Sindh ’ s indented supply of 160,000 cusecs sought on June 11, The remaining flow covers the water allocated for Taunsa barrage and Balochistan.

Observers have also noted that irsa was increasing pond level at Chashma barrage since early June while Sindh was desperately seeking water to feed its perennial and non-perennial canals.

Standout Performances

The response from officials, analysts, and stakeholders has been swift and pointed.

This was evident from water flows observed at Chashma and Sindh ’ s barrages in last few days.

As the story continues to develop, irrigation officials and experts noted that on June 4, when Sindh sought 130,000 cusecs, Chashma published 138,000 cusecs downstream including share of Taunsa and Balochistan.

Alongside the primary story, still, the barrage ’ s pond level rose from 643.5 feet on June 4 to 647.6 feet by June 7 when Sindh ’ s canals needed flows for kharif sowing.

Numbers

The implications are multifaceted, touching on issues of policy, people, and public interest.

“ Enhanced pond levels indicated that water was being stored at Chashma at a time when Sindh urgently needed it for sowing, ” indicated an expert.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, outflows increased from 150,000 cusecs to 178,000 cusecs for Sindh on June 10, 180,000 cusecs on June 11 and 12, and finally 200,000 cusecs on June 13.

Compounding the significance of these events, “ Guddu [ barrage] will receive rose flow on June 15-16 which was actually released from Chashma on June 10 ( 178,000 cusecs).

Notably, likewise, flows climbed in the wake of June 10 will reach Guddu and Kotri [ barrages] accordingly. ” Flows into controversial Chashma-Jhelum and Taunsa-Panjnad link canals continued as the two respectively withdrew 16,500 cusecs and 12,000 cusecs of water somewhat more than Kotri had on Saturday i.e., 11,275 cusecs against its accord-based requirement of 32,500 cusecs, thus recording 65pc shortage.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, he was referring to CM ’ s June 11 letter addressed to PM on the worseni

Looking Ahead

With key questions still unanswered and the situation continuing to develop, observers are watching closely for the next steps. This outlet will continue to provide updates as the story progresses.