Experts stress need for water conservation

Say construction of small dams, rainwater harvesting only solution for water crisis

RAWALPINDI:

Speakers have emphasised the need for water conservation and management to overcome the water crisis in the Potohar region.

They were speaking at a one-day seminar titled 'Water conservation and management in the Potohar region' organised the other day by the faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (FAE&T) in collaboration with Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).

The seminar was addressed by speakers from different organisations such as the Agency for Barani Area Development, Agriculture Engineering Department, Directorate of Soil Conservation, Water Management Rawalpindi, Barani Agriculture Research Institute and Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR).

The speakers suggested the construction of small dams, implementing rainwater harvesting and high-efficiency irrigation techniques to increase water storage, which would not only be beneficial for irrigation but also for the masses and livestock sector in the region.

Dr Jehanzeb Masud Cheema highlighted the water conservation and management concerns of the Potohar region.

PCRWR Chairman Dr Muhammad Ashraf said that water conservation and management in the Potohar region was the need of the hour and the agriculture scientists should make their plans accordingly.

Every land has its uniqueness and biodiversity, he said, adding that it is our responsibility to resolve water crises by adopting modern techniques.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2021.