The water scarcity is predicted to worsen going forward, owing mainly to climate change
unleashed by rapid global warming, which has already altered weather patterns
significantly, as well as social and economic factors. Pakistan has been facing a severe water
crisis that is putting millions of lives at risk
Pakistan is classified as severely water-insecure in a UN study from last year's Global Water
Security Assessment, meaning that the nation is experiencing a water emergency that has to be
addressed right away. Due to uncontrolled population growth and environmental variables,
Pakistan is reportedly one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with rapidly falling
per capita water supplies. Poverty and food insecurity are predicted to rise since the causes of the
water scarcity and its wasteful usage are expected to worsen over the next few years unless urgent
action is taken to prevent the end of the world.
Many believe that by effectively managing its water supplies and enhancing its inadequate
infrastructure, the nation might really prevent this catastrophe and overcome rising water
insecurity. For instance, early adoption of contemporary environmentally friendly irrigation
technologies could save a large portion of this resource from being lost to ineffective flood
irrigation in agricultural fields, which use approximately 97% of freshwater. Similarly,
infrastructure improvements could reduce the significant amount of water that is lost from the
system due to evaporation and theft, which is estimated to be about 40%. In order to achieve this,
a comprehensive long-term water management policy that aligns with the goals of national
economic development and growth must be developed. Unfortunately, millions of people continue
to live in water insecurity as a result of political unpredictability, unstable economies, and
disagreements between provinces over water allocation.
Due to their smaller water supply, rural areas face more serious problems than metropolitan ones.
Some people live in arid regions where there is no chance of finding water. Since the government
hasn't constructed a suitable reservoir in rural areas, most residents rely on wells they've dug to
meet their water needs. However, the unfortunate truth is that many of these wells are drying up
as a result of the recent decrease in rainfall. One of the primary causes of the nation's water
shortage is also outdated water pipelines.
Decades have passed since the water supply system was last modernised. It has rusted since it is
thought to be between thirty and fifty years old in various places. Neither the municipal
committee nor the inhabitants had taken any move to replace the outdated pipelines. This
exacerbates Pakistan's water scarcity and raises the possibility of a reduced water supply
because, if neglected, these choked pipes won't be able to supply water for very long. The
Pakistani Water Mafia, which is attempting to seize control of the waters, is the only significant
offender that has surfaced recently. They are in charge of water theft, severing the public's access
to water by demolishing water supply pipelines, forcing the populace to purchase water tankers
from the mafia, and other mischievous activities.
Pakistan has an abundance of water resources at its disposal. It boasts natural water resources,
including the Hindu Kush Himalayan Mountain range, which gives the nation over 8.6 million
cubic metres of water a year. The largest irrigation system in the world, covering 16 million
hectares of arable land, is located in Pakistan; yet, because of a severe water shortage, the system
is not yet completely functional. The continuous problem of the water crisis needs to be resolved
with a well-thought-out plan of action. Building dams like the Kalabagh Dam, which was supposed
to be built on the Indus River at Kalabagh in the Punjabi district of Mianwali, should be the first
thing done right now. In addition to solving flooding issues and other water crises, if built, it has
the capacity to produce 3600 MW of power. However, for a variety of reasons, it has been up for
discussion amongst the regions and has been for about 40 years. The building of the Diamer
Bhasha dam will assist in resolving the water crisis as well. Situated on the Indus River, the Daimer
Bhasha dam will supply water for drinking and irrigation. When finished, it will have an
8,5000,000 acres-foot capacity for storing water. It will also serve as a shield for the Terbela Dam,
preventing sediment flows that would otherwise reduce the dam's capacity to store water.
Water resource management is another tactic that can be used. It is important to reduce water
contamination. The enterprises that produce the most garbage and release it into rivers should be
identified, closed, or at the very least, their operations should be slowed down in order to decrease
the amount of pollution that enters the water. At the very least, an appropriate waste management
system needs to be developed. The infrastructure for distribution and the calibre of water delivered
should be enhanced by the government. It needs to be split appropriately because each section
needs a different amount of water.