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Discussing the critical importance of water as a resource in Pakistan will not require us to base our argument on Malthusian theory. Pakistan’s total water availability is about 193 million acre feet (MAF), while the current requirement is 3.5-7 MAF.
The crises are related to equity, access and inter-sectoral distribution. Yet, with climate change in progress, rising temperatures, melting glaciers, deforestation, exploding populations and urban pollution, we may need to credit statistical evidence and Malthus’ insights for geometric versus mathematical progress. is
Is water, the blood of life, scarce? Pakistan’s water resources are under both natural and anthropogenic pressures. The country’s dependence on the mighty Indus River system, once a source of abundance, has become a major challenge as climate change alters the delicate balance of this vital water source.
In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy and supports the livelihood of millions of people, the fear of water scarcity is rife. Water crisis in Pakistan is not a distant thing. This is an existing reality. Per capita water availability has declined from 5,600 cubic meters in 1947 to an alarming 1,017 cubic meters in 2021.
The melting of glaciers in Pakistan, often referred to as the “Third Pole”, is accelerating at an alarming rate. Although this initially leads to an increase in water flow, it portends a future of severe water scarcity once natural reserves are depleted. Many glaciers in the region could lose more than 80 percent of their current volume by 2100 under high-emissions scenarios, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says.
Changing monsoon patterns, floods as seen in 2022, prolonged drought and an obsolete distribution network are compounding the problem. Rising temperatures exacerbate the water crisis, putting additional pressure on already stressed water resources.
The World Bank estimates that climate change could reduce the country’s GDP by 18-20 percent by 2050, which would impact the agriculture sector. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources warned in 2016 that with the current rate of population growth and declining water reserves, the country will cross the threshold of total water scarcity (500 m3 water availability per year) by 2025. .
Scientific evidence has shown that the development and governance of water resources has affected water security. Poor and outdated management practices have exacerbated the water crisis. Such mismanagement results in reduced water productivity in all sectors including agriculture, domestic and industrial.
Agriculture, covering 30.5 million hectares, about 47 percent of the national land area (over 38 percent globally), accounts for 24 percent of our GDP and is the largest source of foreign exchange. Farmers are 48% of our workforce. 68% of them are women working in fields. Lacking education and resources, farmers are largely dependent on middlemen and landlords for any productive benefit from their labor. Their practices, mostly primitive and laborious, have resulted in reduced exports, reduced production, and food and water shortages.
Scientific evidence shows that the development and governance of water resources has affected water security. Poor and outdated management practices have exacerbated the water crisis. Such mismanagement results in less water production.
Reaching these millions of skilled workers in our fields must be a priority if we are to develop a sustainable framework. Educated farmers are the fastest way out of this quagmire. We need to educate farmers. put in place infrastructure that enables consistent and continuous access to knowledge, support and finance; And transform farms into businesses that benefit farmers the most.
On the academic front, water conservation and management currently tops the list. The Dera Model of Zarai is a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of farmers, including delivery of advisory to increase water and fertilizer use efficiency to increase productivity. Through these centers, Zaari services reach out to farmers, share knowledge, provide financial and value-added mechanization support and ensure a well-structured value and supply chain. It is a powerful method of increasing agricultural production.
The agricultural sector, which consumes more than 90% of Pakistan’s water resources, urgently needs to modernize its irrigation system. Shifting from flood irrigation to more efficient methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation can save billions of cubic meters of water annually.
Ongoing projects like the Watercourse Improvement Program are steps in the right direction but need to be scaled up significantly. Similarly, rainwater harvesting, especially in water-stressed areas, can help capture monsoon rains that are often wasted or cause flooding. Introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties can help maintain productivity despite fluctuating water availability.
Effective water management is as much about governance as it is about technology and infrastructure. Pakistan’s National Water Policy 2018 provides a comprehensive framework to address the country’s water challenges. However, implementation remains a significant hurdle. Strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination between federal and provincial governments and ensuring adequate funding for water projects are important steps.
Looking ahead, the challenges facing Pakistan’s water sector are daunting but not insurmountable. Climate projections suggest that by 2050, Pakistan may experience more frequent and severe droughts, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The country’s water demand is expected to increase by 55-70% by 2047 due to population growth, urbanization and economic development.
Addressing these challenges will require changes in the way water is valued, managed and used in Pakistan. Adaptive water management strategies that can respond flexibly to changing climate conditions will be critical. This may include developing climate-resilient water infrastructure, implementing dynamic water distribution systems and continuously updating water management plans based on the latest climate science.
Now is the time for action. Every drop saved, every innovation and every policy implemented can take Pakistan one step closer to a sustainable water future.
The author is an educator, writer and corporate host. He can be contacted at Shahatariq67@gmail.com.
