by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
Pakistan is facing an acute water crisis, with underground water resources depleting at an alarming rate. The country, primarily reliant on the Indus Basin aquifer, is now one of the most water-stressed nations in the world. Recent reports from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and other renowned international agencies highlight the severity of the situation and urge immediate action to mitigate the impending disaster.
According to the latest WRI report, Pakistan ranks 14th among the world’s most water-stressed countries. The report indicates that the country’s demand for water is significantly higher than its available supply. A staggering 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural output depends on irrigation from the Indus Basin, which is now under severe stress.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also underscores the critical nature of Pakistan’s water scarcity. The UNDP’s recent findings reveal that Pakistan’s per capita water availability has plummeted from 5,600 cubic meters in 1947 to a perilously low 1,017 cubic meters in 2023. This figure is alarmingly close to the threshold of absolute water scarcity, defined as 1,000 cubic meters per capita.
After research, several reasons have been revealed due to which the ground water has decreased. Rapid population growth and agricultural expansion have led to excessive extraction of groundwater. The widespread use of tube wells for irrigation and drinking purposes has significantly lowered the water table, especially in Punjab and Sindh provinces.
A significant portion of fresh drinking underground water is wasted on non-essential activities such as washing vehicles, irrigating private lawns, and other domestic uses. This misuse further exacerbates the water scarcity, highlighting the need for better awareness and regulatory measures.
Changing climatic patterns have resulted in erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, reducing the natural replenishment of aquifers. The increased frequency of extreme weather events has further exacerbated the stress on water resources.
Similarly, inefficient water management practices and lack of regulatory frameworks have aggravated the water crisis. Leakage in irrigation canals, outdated farming techniques, and lack of investment in modern water-saving technologies contribute to the unsustainable use of groundwater. Furthermore, the rapid pace of urbanization has increased the demand for water in cities. Urban areas often rely on groundwater to meet their needs, further straining the already depleting aquifers.
This is a matter of fact that Pakistan’s water crisis is not an isolated phenomenon. Several other regions around the world are also grappling with severe water shortages. Notably, Cape Town in South Africa came perilously close to “Day Zero” in 2018, when the city was on the brink of running out of water entirely. Stringent water rationing and aggressive public awareness campaigns helped avert the crisis, but the situation remains a stark reminder of the global water scarcity issue.
Similarly, regions in India, Australia, and the Middle East are facing severe water stress. The Indian city of Chennai experienced a major water crisis in 2019, with reservoirs drying up completely. In Australia, prolonged droughts have severely impacted agriculture and urban water supplies. The Middle East, already one of the driest regions on the planet, faces ongoing challenges with water scarcity exacerbated by political conflicts and climatic changes.
In addition to the current water crisis in Pakistan, many other related sectors may face crisis. Agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, is severely threatened by water scarcity. Reduced water availability affects crop yields, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. Likewise contaminated and scarce water resources pose significant health risks. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, are prevalent in areas with poor water quality.
Commonly water scarcity hampers industrial growth and increases the cost of water for businesses and households. This economic burden can lead to social unrest and conflicts over water resources. Apart from that lowering of the water table can lead to land subsidence and loss of wetlands, affecting biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems.
Addressing the water crisis in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy reforms, technological advancements, and public awareness. Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler systems, can reduce water wastage. Upgrading the irrigation infrastructure to minimize leakage and adopting rainwater harvesting practices can significantly enhance water conservation.
Similarly, establishing and enforcing regulations on groundwater extraction is crucial. Licensing and monitoring of tube wells, along with incentivizing the use of alternative water sources, can help control over-extraction. Developing climate-resilient agricultural practices and investing in research on drought-resistant crops can mitigate the impact of climate change on water resources.
Educating the public about water conservation and encouraging community participation in water management initiatives can foster a culture of sustainable water use. Campaigns to discourage the misuse of fresh drinking water for non-essential activities like vehicle washing should be prioritized.
Therefore, the scarcity of underground water in Pakistan is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. The recent reports by international agencies serve as a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. It is imperative for the government, private sector, and civil society to work together to implement sustainable water management practices and ensure a secure water future for Pakistan. Without immediate and effective action, the water crisis could escalate into a full-blown catastrophe, affecting millions of lives and the country’s economic stability.
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