Islamabad, June 18, 2025: Water levels at Tarbela Dam have fallen alarmingly low, creating a significant problem in electricity production due to an ongoing lack of rainfall.
A steady reduction in water inflow has been observed at the dam, primarily due to the persistent dry weather. At present, the water level at Tarbela is recorded at 1450.85 feet—just 48 feet above the minimum operational level of 1402 feet.
According to an official spokesperson, if current weather patterns continue, a further drop in the reservoir level is expected.
While all the power-producing units at the dam are currently active, electricity generation remains restricted. The inflow of water into the dam stands at 177,400 cusecs, while the discharge is measured at 151,800 cusecs. Although all 17 turbines are running, they are only generating 1,413 megawatts—well below their installed capacity of 4,888 megawatts.
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The overall water storage remains critically low. Tarbela Dam maximum storage capacity is 1,550 feet, yet the current level is nearly 100 feet below that benchmark.
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Hydrology experts and officials from the Ministry of Energy have expressed concerns that if the dry weather continues and rainfall does not occur soon, water levels could dip even further. This would not only affect agricultural irrigation but also result in a major drop in hydropower output.
