Groundwater depletion in Pakistan puts millions at risk of water scarcity

Pakistan’s groundwater crisis worsens as over-extraction depletes reserves, threatening agriculture livelihoods

Groundwater depletion is a growing environmental crisis in Pakistan, impacting millions across both rural and urban areas. Groundwater is a crucial resource for drinking, agriculture, and industry, but its rapid depletion is putting significant pressure on the country’s future water security.

Pakistan is heavily dependent on groundwater, particularly for agriculture, where about 70% of the country’s water resources are used for irrigation. In rural areas, farmers rely on tube wells to extract water, while in urban centres like Karachi, people depend on underground sources due to limited surface water availability.

Over-extraction of groundwater is the primary cause of the depletion crisis. As the population grows and agricultural and industrial demands increase, groundwater reserves are being used faster than they can naturally recharge.

In regions like Punjab, the water table is dropping at alarming rates, requiring farmers to drill deeper wells, which in turn raises costs and reduces agricultural productivity. In cities like Karachi, the situation is even direr, with many residents relying on private water tankers as the water table continues to fall, making it difficult to access clean, safe water.

Industrial use also contributes to the crisis. Textile factories and other industries extract large amounts of groundwater, further depleting already stressed aquifers. Combined with inefficient agricultural practices, such as flood irrigation, which wastes vast amounts of water, the demand on groundwater is unsustainable.

Additionally, climate change has worsened the situation, as more erratic rainfall and droughts make it harder to rely on surface water sources, driving further dependence on groundwater.

The consequences of groundwater depletion are significant. In rural areas, wells are drying up, and the remaining water is often contaminated with pollutants, making it unsafe for consumption. In urban areas, people are forced to pay high prices for water delivered by private tankers. This has a direct impact on both public health and livelihoods, especially for farmers who face higher costs due to deeper wells and decreasing crop yields.

To address this crisis, several actions are needed.

First, there must be better regulation of groundwater extraction. The government should implement measures such as water meters to track usage, set limits on extraction, and enforce penalties for overuse. Second, more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, should be promoted to reduce water wastage in agriculture. Rainwater harvesting and restoration of traditional water storage systems can also reduce dependence on groundwater.

Investing in alternative water sources like desalination and wastewater treatment is another important step. Desalination plants can help provide fresh water for coastal areas, while treated wastewater can be reused for industrial and agricultural purposes.

Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating communities about the importance of water conservation and promoting sustainable water use practices.

Ultimately, the groundwater depletion crisis in Pakistan requires immediate action from all sectors of society, including the government, industries, farmers, and local communities. By regulating extraction, promoting water efficiency, and exploring alternative water sources, Pakistan can work towards a more sustainable future.

The time to act is now to protect one of the country’s most valuable resources and secure water security for future generations.