
KARACHI:
Water scarcity is one of the biggest problems in Pakistan. It is predicted that the country will face an acute water shortage by 2025, and will be the most water-stressed country in South Asia within two decades. Almost 30 million Pakistanis have no access to clean water. Currently, Pakistan is categorised as a water-scarce country because the yearly water availability is less than 1,000 cubic meters per person.
There are several factors which have led to the water scarcity. Sudden changes in the climate, wastage of water, and natural calamities have all contributed to exacerbate the crisis. We have to educate our people, and make them aware of the situation and its consequences. In such a situation, the government should invest in innovative ways of storing water such as rainwater harvesting and build infrastructure to help with that. Furthermore, they need to create a system whereby waste water can be recycled and introduce new conservation technologies to make our future safe. If these measures are not taken then Pakistan will not have enough clean drinking water or water to carry out basic life-activities.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 12th, 2021.
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