Water: an existential crisis in the making
As the struggle for political power continues unabated, there is little realisation in the higher quarters in Islamabad that Pakistan is facing an existential threat on the water front. According to several recent surveys, Pakistan is facing increasing water shortages and our position as a water stressed country is worsening by the day.
Some tale-tell figures stare us in the face. The country’s per capita annual water availability has dropped by over 30 percent, decreasing from 1,500 cubic meters in 2009 to 1,017 cubic meters in 2021. Moreover, the World Resources Institute projects that by 2050 Pakistan will be among the most water-stressed countries in the world, with its water availability per person dropping by 78% since 1951. The country depends heavily on the Indus River Basin, which is vulnerable to climate change and unsustainable water use.
According to the World Bank, an estimated 63 million Pakistanis lack access to clean water. Water scarcity affects more than two-thirds of Pakistan’s population, with nearly 40% of households having no access to piped water. Pakistan has the world’s fourth-highest rate of water usage, and the country’s water demand is projected to exceed supply by 2025. Over 53,000 children under the age of five die each year due to waterborne diseases in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s severe water crisis has significant implications for its economy, food security, and public health. The crisis is driven by several factors, including population growth, mismanagement of water resources, inefficient agricultural practices, climate change, and poor infrastructure.
Among the key drivers of Pakistan’s water crisis, an important one is population growth. Pakistan’s population has grown rapidly in recent decades, increasing the demand for water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses. This has put immense pressure on the country’s water resources.
Dependence on agriculture is another issue. Agriculture is a major part of Pakistan’s economy, employing a large portion of the work force and consuming about 90% of the country’s fresh water. However, inefficient irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation, lead to waste of water and unsustainable practices.
Changing weather patterns, such as reduced rainfall and increased temperatures, are exacerbating water shortages. Glacial melt in the northern areas of Pakistan, which feeds the Indus River system, is also becoming unpredictable due to climate change. Pakistan suffers from a poorly maintained water infrastructure. Aging dams, canals, and water distribution systems lead to significant water losses through leakage and evaporation. Furthermore, limited water storage capacity makes it difficult to manage periods of drought and flood. There has been long-standing mismanagement of water resources in Pakistan. Lack of long-term planning, inefficient water pricing, and overlapping institutional responsibilities contribute to the crisis.
The worsening water crisis has had a severe impact on the national economy. Agriculture, a vital sector, is at risk due to water shortages, leading to reduced crop yields and economic instability for millions of farmers. With water scarcity threatening agriculture, food production could decline, leading to potential food shortages and increased reliance on imports.
Water contamination is a major public health issue. As groundwater levels decline, more people are resorting to unsafe water sources, which increases the spread of waterborne diseases. Water shortages can cause disputes between provinces, communities, and even countries. In Pakistan, the provinces of Sindh and Punjab have been involved in longstanding disputes over water distribution from the Indus River.
Experts have suggested a number of measures to mitigate the impact of water scarcity. One of these is modernizing irrigation. Switching to more efficient irrigation techniques like drip or sprinkler systems can significantly reduce water usage. Laser leveling of fields can also help in efficient water distribution. Promoting drought-resistant crops and encouraging the cultivation of crops that require less water can help conserve water in agriculture.
At the same time we need to build more dams and reservoirs. Increasing water storage capacity is crucial to regulate the water supply during dry and wet seasons. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is one example of such a project.
Upgrading irrigation and canal systems and fixing leaks and improving efficiency in water distribution networks can reduce wastage. Groundwater management is the crying need of the hour. Pakistan needs a regulatory framework to monitor groundwater extraction and recharge. Over-extraction has caused depletion of aquifers, leading to long-term challenges. Implementing rainwater harvesting, especially in urban areas, can help recharge groundwater and reduce reliance on surface water. Treating and reusing wastewater for industrial or agricultural purposes can reduce the pressure on freshwater resources. Investing in infrastructure to treat wastewater and prevent it from contaminating freshwater supplies can improve water quality and availability.
There is an urgent need for policy reform and raising public awareness on the issue. Currently, water is either free or underpriced, leading to excessive and wasteful use. Educating the public on the importance of water conservation can help reduce wastage at both household and community levels. Developing climate-resilient water management systems is crucial in dealing with the variability of water availability caused by climate change.
Pakistan shares the Indus River system with India, and effective water-sharing agreements under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) are crucial for long-term stability. Diplomatic engagement and consistent dialogue with India, as well as involving international organizations, are important in ensuring equitable water distribution.
Solving Pakistan’s water crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that includes policy reforms, infrastructure investment, better agricultural practices, and public awareness. A holistic water management plan with strong political will and collaboration between the federal government, provincial authorities, and local communities is essential. Without immediate action, Pakistan’s water crisis could worsen, threatening its economy, environment and social stability.