ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: A meeting of the advisory committee of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) was held here on Wednesday to finalize the Rabi 2005-2006 (October-March) water availability.

The meeting, which was presided over by Irsa chairman Aman Gul Khattak, reviewed the Kharif 2005 water availability and expressed satisfaction over the reservoirs position and distribution of water.

The committee anticipated water availability with an estimated shortage of 17 per cent during the Rabi season. The total available water is expected to be 21.818 MAF at rim station, 10.598 MAF carry over storage, -1.77 MAF system losses and 30.64 MAF likely provincial shares. The break-up of provincial shares would be 16.540 MAF for Punjab, 12.379 MAF for Sindh, 0.701 MAF for the NWFP and 1.022 MAF for Balochistan. The committee agreed to follow the provisions of water apportionment accord, 1991.

It was also decided that the position would be reviewed as and when required according to the prevailing conditions.

The committee showed its reservations about the demand for a 10-week closure of Taunsa barrage for repair.—Online