Depleting groundwater
Groundwater levels have been rapidly depleting across the country and many areas are facing acute water shortages. While climate change may be the biggest contributor to this unfolding crisis, negligence and wastage on the part of the authorities coupled with the ever-increasing number of tube-wells have contributed to the depletion of water tables. The situation is particularly dire in the heavily groundwater dependent province of K-P where springs are fast drying up. As a result, people have resorted to boring and pumping out groundwater from within their houses, further aggravating the situation.
While it is reassuring that the authorities are well aware that conservation of groundwater must be among the top most priorities, meaningful action is yet to be seen. The K-P Water Resources Commission, set up for the purpose of implementing the K-P Water Act 2020 in accordance with the National Water Policy, has only resorted to formulating policies, and a number of bylaws and regulations under the Water Act are currently under consideration. Furthermore, in the commission’s maiden meeting recently, it was informed that out of 8.7 MAF water, 2.81 MAF was unutilised due to “lack of infrastructure, planning and inefficiencies”. It seems officials are unaware of the precise reason behind the rapid decrease in water levels. Climate change is merely a phenomenon from which multiple crises and consequences emerge — it must not be thought of as a reason. Tests and experiments must be conducted to pinpoint the exact cause after which concerted action can be taken to maintain water levels.
Apart from this, the commission needs to come up with a mechanism whereby rain water is collected, stored and then distributed to provide relief to water-stressed areas. The authorities need to refrain from building barrages on rivers and streams to promote the natural flow of water. It is not just about restriction, allocation and distribution. Wholesome initiatives need to be implemented to conserve water, reduce wastage and tackle the consequences in a long-term manner.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2021.
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