ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The River Chenab entered a low-level flood stage at Head Marala on Thursday due to rainfall in its catchment regions, officials from the irrigation department confirmed.
Inflow at the barrage was measured at 121,233 cusecs, while outflow registered slightly lower at 117,885 cusecs* Thursday evening.
The structure’s full flood discharge capacity stands at 1,000,000 cusecs.
“We are closely tracking the situation to ensure the safety of downstream communities,” stated a senior irrigation official.
Background: Recent Water Flow Patterns
Following a brief surge in May—with inflows reaching up to *100,000 cusecs* due to glacier melt, heavy rain, and water release by India—flows gradually subsided. A WAPDA spokesperson noted a significant drop to around *44,800 cusecs inflow and 17,100 cusecs outflow* as of late May.
Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) issued warnings at that time, citing concerns over crop water shortages during the early Kharif season.
Monitoring and Safeguards
Both WAPDA and the Punjab irrigation department have intensified their surveillance across the Chenab basin, closely watching inflow data and reservoir levels. Earlier, alternating sharp increases and decreases in flow prompted alerts over potential flood or drought risks .
Outlook
With the monsoon season approaching and glacier thaw ongoing, engineers advise vigilance. Should inflows continue to rise, controlled releases and downstream precautions may be enacted to protect irrigated lands and residential zones.
Officials emphasize that current levels remain *well within the barrage’s capacity. Nevertheless, they urge keeping communities informed* and preparing emergency protocols in case conditions deteriorate.
