Sustaining resources: Political will can avert water crisis: Dr Ashraf

Population boom, agricultural activities leading cause of water scarcity

ISLAMABAD: Water, food and energy are the three most important components for development and Pakistan is presently in a state of dire water scarcity. At the moment it is only storing 10 per cent of its waters. The increase in population and impact of agricultural activities has put immense pressure on groundwater. “The way forward includes increasing water storage through construction of dams, introducing a groundwater regulatory framework and controlling population. Hence, a change of priorities for Pakistan coupled with political will, can avert the water crisis altogether,” said Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Chairman Dr Muhammad Ashraf.

This statement was made at a seminar on “The International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028.” The seminar was organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Thursday. Furthermore, several other officials spoke on the matter of water scarcity and discussed its possible solutions.

Tajikistan First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nizomuddin Zohidi stressed on factors which need to be taken into account regarding water scarcity. These included; climate change, population growth and increase in demand for water resources, means of implementation particularly human and financial resources, cooperation in the field of education and culture and trans-boundary component of water cooperation which is central to ensuring peace and stability.



Moreover, Dr Zohidi talked about how the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028 launched by President Emomali Rahmon aims to create a board for capacity development, which will also contribute to a smooth transition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tajikistan Ambassador Sherali Jononov said  Tajikistan aims at using its water resources to not only meet national needs, but also to create regional balance. He went on to give benefits of hydropower development both through building hydropower and through water reservoirs for storage purposes. Water, he added, is a key element not only for social development, but also for ensuring peace, stability and development.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2018.