There is a need to organise a system through which the country can be saved from economic loss during floods
RAWALPINDI: Our country suffers because of the destruction caused by floods every year. Keeping in view the disastrous situation this year, it is clear that no measures have been taken to mitigate their impact. Lack of political will on part of the federal government results in the failure of mobilising local governments and communities to deal with mitigation efforts. A set of institutions dealing with the consequences of floods are supposedly operating in the country but there is an absence of institutional structuring and accountability even after five years of heavy floods.
Pakistan is located in a region which has adversely been affected by climate change. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan, in 2012, was the third most affected country by climate change. It is facing extreme climate change events. This floodwaters, which are causing so many deaths and destruction, need to be preserved. Dams and reservoirs are the need of the hour. The Kalabagh and Basha dams should be constructed but this will entail a long process. Whatever dams we have are not maintained or upgraded. We should learn some lessons from our neighbouring country, which has the capacity to store 900 days’ water supply. We have the capacity to store only 30 days of water in our dams. Why can’t our politicians think of making dams in their respective provinces so they can be utilised to create energy and storage for irrigation?
Another matter of concern is that flood victims are often forced to move from their areas of residence to earn their livelihoods, resulting in an increase in urban populations. This is not only disturbing the infrastructure of cities; it is also increasing unemployment and forced migration. Why is the government slow in upgrading the technology and techniques at its disposal to handle climate change effects? Water managers need to be trained for long-term flood management. The political leadership should realise that foreign countries will not always help us in tough times, so there is a need to organise a system through which the country can be saved from economic loss during floods.
Fatima Mansoor
Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2015.
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