Pakistan’s water debate has resurfaced with Tarbela Dam reaching its maximum storage level of 1,550 feet. On the surface, this looks like a success in conservation. Yet, for Sindh farmers struggling to irrigate cotton and rice nurseries during the early Kharif season, the achievement feels incomplete. The contradiction between full reservoirs and empty canals exposes the weaknesses of Pakistan’s water planning system. This is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of governance, foresight, and fairness.

In a normal year, Tarbela fills in August when monsoon flows are abundant. The concern this year is not the filling itself, but the fact that storage began much earlier, during May, June, and July, when Sindh as the lower riparian urgently needed water for sowing crops in the early Kharif season. Holding back these flows deprived farmers of timely irrigation, and now the arrival of monsoon rains risks creating artificial floods downstream. This pattern not only harms Sindh’s agriculture but also raises questions about the storage calendar itself. River water meant for sowing should not be locked away in reservoirs, as this goes against the spirit of dams, which were designed to regulate flows for both agriculture and energy. In both cases; shortages during sowing and excesses during monsoon; Sindh suffers, while perceptions persist that Punjab gains development advantages.

The motive behind filling reservoirs is understandable: securing water for later use and ensuring hydropower generation. But the timing raises doubts. Why are lower riparian provinces left short of water precisely when their crops need it most? The delay in completing Tarbela’s Tunnel‑5 project until 2027, restricting outflows during peak sowing months, further complicates the picture. These mismatches suggest that planning is not aligned with agricultural calendars, leaving farmers vulnerable.

Comparative experiences show that Pakistan’s reliance on large reservoirs is outdated. India, for instance, has built thousands of small check dams and percolation tanks to capture early flows, stabilizing irrigation at the local........

© The Friday Times