Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has strongly urged the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to ensure that water distribution among provinces during the early Kharif 2025 season is strictly based on the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991, warning against any releases downstream Kotri during periods of water scarcity.
In a formal letter addressed to IRSA, the Punjab Irrigation Department emphasized that the province is already receiving less than its allocated share of water and cannot sustain further shortages during the critical early Kharif season. The letter noted that water regulation must be carried out under the provisions of the 1991 Accord, particularly para-2, which calls for the distribution of available water according to agreed shares among provinces, especially during periods of shortage.
Punjab categorically opposed any proposals for early releases below the Kotri Barrage during times when the system is running in deficit. It warned IRSA that making such releases without ensuring that all four provinces are receiving their due shares would be a direct violation of the Accord. “Any such release must not be made until equitable and approved allocations are met,” the letter stressed.
The Punjab government also requested that regulation of the Chashma and Tarbela reservoirs be done strictly in line with para-14(a) of the Accord and the 2003 decision of the then-President of Pakistan, which reinforced adherence to Accord principles.
Highlighting the province’s dependence on timely and adequate water flows for its agriculture sector, the letter called on IRSA to convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee to finalize the regulation plan for early Kharif 2025. Punjab stated that such a meeting is essential to reach a consensus and to prevent any unilateral actions that could lead to inter-provincial disputes or jeopardize the sowing season.
The letter marks a proactive and firm stance by Punjab at the outset of the irrigation season, underscoring continued tensions over water management among the provinces. In recent years, differences have emerged over how IRSA interprets the 1991 Accord, particularly during periods of water stress.
Punjab’s communication to IRSA reflects growing apprehensions over ad hoc decisions and lack of consensus on reservoir operations, particularly at a time when water scarcity is expected to persist into the early Kharif months.
Sources in Water Resources Ministry said that IRSA will soon call its Advisory Committee meeting to amicably resolve the dispute between Sindh and Punjab provinces.
