BALOCHISTAN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (BIWRMP) ITS PRAGMATIC EFFORTS IN IMPROVING WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN AN INTEGRATED METHOD AT NARI AND POLARI WATER BASINS OF BALOCHISTAN:

By web desk On Sep 20, 2023

By: Saeed Yousuf

Balochistan Integrated water resources management and development project promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and relate resources to achieve social equity, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. BIWRMDP is doing all the related development works withing the framework of Government of Balochistan and adopting its rules and procedures with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank.
Integrated Water Resources and its Management is the most neglected subject in Pakistan and most specifically in Balochistan. Consequently, water related problems and issues are getting complex day by day. The problems are multi- dimensional. Havoc floods, extreme droughts and harsh unpredictable weather conditions. In addition, the burden of population and over exploitation of water resources increasing the Water scarcity. It is also observed that peoples lack knowledge and improper accountability and water policy or any unified body which can check the water accountability in licensing and usage. Balochistan have 18 water basins and 6 ecological zones.
The Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project (BIWRMDP) has brought about significant changes in the lives of people in Balochistan, particularly in terms of irrigation system management and resilience to climate change. The project emphasized the implementation of effective water management and conservation practices. This involved the introduction of advanced water monitoring and measurement systems, adoption of water-saving techniques, and promotion of efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation. These initiatives have helped in optimizing water usage, reducing water wastage, and ensuring a sustainable water supply for agricultural activities.
By improving the irrigation system and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Nari and Porlai Water Basins, the BIWRMDP has significantly enhanced the livelihoods of the local population. Farmers now have access to reliable water resources, enabling them to cultivate their lands more effectively and diversify their crops. Increased agricultural productivity has not only boosted incomes but also generated employment opportunities, leading to overall socio-economic development in the region.
The BIWRMDP placed significant emphasis on knowledge sharing and technology transfer to build the capacity of local stakeholders. Training programs, workshops, and farmer field schools were organized to disseminate best practices in irrigation system management, climate-smart agriculture, and water-efficient techniques. The project facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences among farmers, researchers, and policymakers, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in water resource management practices.
The success of the BIWRMDP can be attributed to the active participation of local communities in the planning and implementation processes. The project facilitated community engagement, empowering farmers and water user associations to take ownership of the irrigation system. Additionally, capacity-building programs were conducted to equip farmers with knowledge and skills related to water management, climate resilience, and modern agricultural techniques.

This project comprises three components. The first component, A1 institutions, capacity and information consist of capacity development and gradual transition to IWRM innovation approaches in Balochistan in line with the existing IWRM policy it is doing the same with support institutional restructuring, professional development staff working in PMU, PIUs and inline attach Departments like department of Irrigation, Forest & Wildlife, Public Health Engineering, Agriculture and Environment of Government of Balochistan and up till now more than 35 trainings about 600 participants got trainings on different topics from different reputed organizations and institutes. This component comprises Trainings, along with exposure visits, and is offering MS degree programs for the stakeholder departments which will be very productive in the coming years having a trained human resource in the specific water resources and its management. Moreover, in the Legal sector reform of water sector policy the work is under process under this component the services of UN-FAO for preparation and implementation of a road map towards institutional and legal reforms in Water Sector of Balochistan.
The component of A2 encompasses installation and operation of hydro-meteorological systems, and establishment of multi-agency river basin information systems that provide public access to all available hydro-metrological data for the two water basins. Three activities of the Hydro-met equipment include 7 Automatic Weather Stations, 12 Rain Gauging Stations & 9 Stream Flow Gauging Stations also establishment of 15 Groundwater Monitoring Wells.
The second component, water infrastructure and management investments will support implementation of IWRM sectoral investments in the Nari and Porali basins within a framework of community mobilization and participation. This component has three sub-components includes i) Construction and/or rehabilitation of irrigation and potable water supply facilities; flood protection infrastructure; ii) Related watershed and rangeland management; and iii) On-farm water management and agricultural productivity activities. In these components the overall work progress is more than 90 percent.
The major achievement of this component includes development of a flood irrigation scheme at Mushkaf, Civil work at Nari Gorge in an integrated multiple schemes, Flood irrigation and multiple civil work schemes at Sehan, also multiple civil works at Nimmi Perennial, Gundacha, Nurg Hignri, Shab e Maidan, and multiple irrigations schemes at District Khuzdar. In providing potable safe water to the poor masses multiple water supply schemes are completed and the people getting multiple benefits of these water schemes major water supply schemes of this project includes water supply of Mushkaf, Nari Gorge, Nimmi Gundachha, Sibi town etc. in all of these the civil work and supply of installation of pipelines, machinery and solar systems is included.
Watershed and Rangeland Management interventions have been designed to be carried out both at catchment and targeted schemes of the project areas with an objective to improve the degraded condition of watershed and rangelands through employing climate smart soil and water conservation. These activities not only have a positive impact on the environmental sustainability but also build resilience to climate change and associated impacts of floods and drought. In these components’ construction of Check Dams, Dry- Afforestation through water harvesting techniques. Cluster and Block Plantation. Establishment of Nurseries, Rangeland Rehabilitation and Improvement and allied activities and Mangroves Plantation in the coastal area of Lasbela is included and all of these activities are almost in completion phase these activities have long term effect in overall water management along with conserving the nature and its biodiversity.

In order to ensure that the benefits from the increased quantities of water resulting from infrastructural development under the project are realized by the command area beneficiaries equitably, leading to the outcomes of better On Farm Water Management and increased agriculture productivity, the project has made provisions for command area development activities under this sub-component. The major work under this component which are done includes lining of watercourses, construction of water storage tanks, Kacha tracks for farm to nearby shingle road, land levelling and spate irrigation, along with demonstration plots for cash crops of wheat and cotton, in the Khushkaba farming that includes the construction of terracing systems for water harvesting, tunnel farming and provision of laying PVC pipes.
Beside all of this social mobilization, awareness campaigns, training on social safeguard to the Farmer organizations and the participation of women is ensured in all of the social safeguard was maintained. The schemes are widely spread and remotely located which have widespread effect in water management and improving the livelihood of the masses and boosting the economical means of these area.

In concluding The Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of people in Balochistan, particularly in the realm of irrigation system management and climate change adaptation. By improving water availability, optimizing water usage, and enhancing climate resilience, the project has paved the way for sustainable agricultural practices and improved livelihoods. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of integrated water resources management and community participation in achieving long-term development goals.
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