PAKISTAN

LAHORE: The country is faced with a famine-like situation because of ongoing shortage of water in the rivers.

According to sources, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is reconsidering its current Water Management Plan to deal with drought-like situation for the next Rabi crops.

During the last one year, the water level in Indus River has dropped to one-third level, due to which it is feared that the country will have to brace an agricultural dearth this year.

In view of this situation, the IRSA has asked the Met department for details of possible dearth during the next 6 months.

In addition, the IRS has also called a meeting of its Advisory Committee so that the current Water Management Plan could be reconsidered to handle the prevailing water shortage.

The sources told that the IRSA had to close Chashma, Jehlum, Taunsa and Pajnad canals over water shortage previous year but the situation is even more alarming this year, which needs emergency measures.

The Met office said that country has entered the third phase of drought this year, which could affect the cultivation, leading to a dearth-like situation.