ISLAMABAD (January 10 2004): Water level at Tarbela, the biggest water reservoir, was recorded 1439.32 feet which is more than 70feet higher than the dead 1evel of 1369 ft at the dam.

According to official data released by Indus River System Authority (Irsa) on Friday, water inflow at the dam remained 16,000 cusecs and release was recorded only 10,000 cusecs even less than the inflow because of the closure of canals in various parts of Punjab and Sindh due to desilting campaign.

When asked to comment on the water position of the dam, an official of Irsa expressed his satisfaction over the water situation in both the dams Tarbela and Mangla.

Giving details about the Mangla darn, he said water level at Mangla darn was recorded more than 1117 ft which is 77 ft above the dead level 1040 ft.

Water inflow at the dam remained 10,009 cusecs and outflow was recorded 17,000 cusecs only seven thousand cusecs more than the inflow.

When asked about the contribution of River Kabul and River Chenab, he said that contribution of both the rivers was recorded at 7,810 cusecs and 7,850 cusecs respectively.

It may be recalled here that Tarbela and Mangla darns received unprecedented water inflow during the last February owing to heavy rains in the upper parts of the country.

More than 100 ft increase was recorded at Mangla dam only within four to five days due to heavy rains that time which rescued Irsa to meet water shortage in the country.

To a question about snowfall in upper parts of the country, he said, "Reports about snowfall in upper parts of the country, especially in Northern Areas are satisfactory and there will be no shortage in the coming seasons.

Courtesy Business Recorder