KARACHI:
The water crisis in Pakistan is worsening as the gap between water supply and demand is widening. Growing population, urbanisation, climate change and mismanagement of water resources are putting a strain on the country’s water resources. The excessive use of groundwater through tube-wells and boreholes, particularly in agriculture, is the main reason for the water crisis. It has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels, reduced water quality, and land subsidence.
To address the issue of excessive groundwater pumping, the Pakistani government should promote water-efficient agriculture practices. For instance, the government can encourage farmers to adopt water-efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation and laser land levelling, which can reduce water use in agriculture. The government should invest in the development of surface water resources, such as dams, canals, and reservoirs to reduce reliance on groundwater for irrigation. It can also encourage the use of rainwater harvesting systems, particularly in urban areas, to increase the availability of water for domestic use.
The government can implement regulations to control groundwater pumping, such as limiting the number of tube-wells and boreholes and charging a fee for groundwater use. An awareness campaign should also be launched to educate the public about the importance of water conservation and the consequences of excessive groundwater pumping. Lastly, the government should explore alternative water supply options, such as desalination, wastewater reuse and inter-basin water transfer. The water crisis in Pakistan will worsen if the government, civil society and the private sector fail to take timely and concerted action. Political will and sustained commitment to water conservation and management over the long term are necessary to avoid acute water scarcity.
Raja Asad Azad
Muzaffarabad
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2023.
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