Equitable water sharing | Political Economy

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Indh’s annual water requires 48.8 million acre feet (MAF). Of this amount, about 43 MAFs are needed, especially for agriculture to maintain fertile lands in scores, Hyderabad and Thatta. The province faces a permanent water deficit of 40 to 45 percent, which is about 19.5 MAF. Despite the allocation of 48.76 MAF under the 1991 Water Distribution Agreement, Sindh receives 33 to 35 MAFs in a normal year. The reduction is due to incompetence, climate change and upstream turning. This shortage affects agriculture, domestic water supply and environment, which puts significant pressure on the province’s economy and communities.

Agriculture contributes 19 % to Pakistan’s GDP and 38.5 % of the worker hires force. This is very important for the economy of Sindh. About 60 % of the population of Sindh depends on farming, which produces 20 % of the country’s wheat, 40 % of its rice, and 25 % of its sugarcane. Nevertheless, the farmers at the end of the tail, especially those who are completely dependent on agriculture, face severe challenges due to the distribution of water incompetence. Over the past decade, water shortage has reduced crop production by 20 %, which has promoted economic difficulties and food insecurity.

The federal government’s proposal to construct six canals to irrigate Cholistan is at risk of worsening the Sindh water crisis. Through the basic water of the Indus, Sindh, the flow of flow has been seen due to low rainfall, ineffective management and upstream turning point. The proposed rivers can further eliminate water resources, which has left millions of livelihoods in Sindh’s agricultural Heartland and endangered.

The 1991 water distribution agreement aims to ensure equal distribution in the provinces. Sindh’s stakeholders believe that the canal project violates the agreement. Sindh has received less water permanently from the allocation of its water contract. This has been strongly opposed to the proposed canals. Thousands of people have spread across the province in Hyderabad and Larkana to demand the cancellation of the project and the protection of agricultural and environmental resources in Sindh. Political parties, nationalist groups and civil society organizations have united in opposition, emphasizing the need to comply with the 1991 agreement.

Water deficiency affects women and backward classes. Often women and girls responsible for collecting water in rural areas, travel long distances and dries the wells and rivers, which pose their risk of health and safety. Backward groups face limited access to safe drinking water and reduce agricultural income, deepening poverty and inequality. The proposed rivers can further deprive the weaker population of essential resources.

Backward groups face limited access to safe drinking water and reduce agricultural income, deepening poverty and inequality.

Environmental concerns around the canals are also important. Sustainable agriculture requires fertility in the soil of Cholistan. Changing the flow of the Indus River can damage the flow of ecosystem. The Indus Delta, which is already suffering from freshwater, faces further degradation, geometric and fishing and farming communities are at risk.

Including another layer of complexity, Sindh has proposed corporate farming measures, Umerkot is still disclosed area. According to a letter from the Quretrker (tax) to the Deputy Commissioner, 190,195 acres of land was identified for corporate farming in seven villages (Khairral Thar, Barl Thar, Mokhal Baha, Thief Thar, Horingand Liplo). Is A resident reported that in two villages, Horngo and Liplo, there are 30 to 40 villages with a population of close to 50,000. Given the scope of the project, about 100,000 people may face obstacles. What are the plans for these communities? There is a risk of large -scale farming in the region to displace some of the inhabitants and disrupt their traditional livelihoods. Even if there is no migration, the grazing areas, local plants and animals and the environment are likely to be significantly damaged. These concerns must be resolved to ensure equal and sustainable corporate farming methods.

Since Pakistan looks for solutions to its water and agricultural challenges, the actions of the Green Pakistan Initiative are aimed at increasing productivity and stability through modern farming techniques and effective use of water. Green technology, such as drip irrigation and solar powered water pumps, can reduce water waste and help small -scale farmers, especially those who are at the end of the irrigation system. Corporate farming models, when implemented equally and jointly, have the ability to fulfill traditional agriculture, which ensures food safety and economic growth without further pressure of water.

This debate indicates the urgent need for a balanced water resource management in Pakistan. International cooperation is needed to tackle Sindh’s concerns while ensuring sustainable development, commitment to implement agreements and allocate resources. By preferring data -powered solutions and integrating modern measures, Pakistan can navigate these challenges and secure a sustainable future for all provinces.

The author is a gender expert and a professional professional. It can be arrived at the email: Sanakhansada 4@gmail.com