Quetta, once known for its plentiful water sources and fruitful land, is facing a severe water shortage. It has not happened suddenly, but rather gradually due to climatic conditions. Unfortunately, the city has extreme variations in temperature in summers and winters, and it also lies outside the monsoon range and rainfall is scanty and irregular.
On the other hand, human-induced factors have had a major effect on Quetta’s crisis. The population of Quetta has increased to 1,565,546 as per the 2023 census. At present, the demand for water has exceeded and the supply of aquifer water is at risk due to continuous groundwater depletion. Approximately 61 million gallons per day (61mgd) are required but, according to a 2023 report in the Journal of Positive School Psychology, only 24.5mgd are being supplied. It indicates a potential water shortage in the city.
The people of Quetta need to address this issue with urgency, otherwise there will be serious consequences in the future. The government of Balochistan must be questioned for not enforcing groundwater extraction regulations to prevent illegal drilling and overuse of tub wells. It should also build dams to secure the lives of coming generations.
Shafqat Baloch
Quetta
