FAISALABAD:
Climatic change has had a deep impact on the hydrological cycle in Pakistan. Not only are rain patterns continuously changing on a year-to-year basis, but the intensity and frequency of thunderstorms have increased significantly. The rise in the average global temperature has caused the glaciers to melt rapidly. These rains and glaciers are the major source of water in our rivers. Furthermore, underground water reservoirs or “aquifers” are rapidly depleting because we are aggressively pumping out water for urban, commercial and agricultural purposes. Since our rivers have large basin areas in IIOJK, the Indian government has disrupted the flow of water by constructing new dams there. The ultimate result of all these developments is acute deficiency of water in our rivers.
This deficiency has had a tremendous impact on our economy. Perhaps the most badly affected sector has been agriculture, where water is needed through the year. Lack of water causes low crop yields which not only affect farmers but also the economy of the entire the country. We will have to learn to live with this water deficiency or take immediate steps to recover it. For this purpose, more water reservoirs are needed on the rivers in the form of dams, barrages and headworks. Moreover, an efficient system of water usage should be adopted which will help in preventing water wastage.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2021.
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