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Pakistanis leading an urban, middle-class life vastly underestimate just how important a sufficient water supply is. We wake up every morning to brush our teeth, take a shower and wash our faces – not knowing that these small acts themselves are only possible because we are fortunate enough to be supplied with clean water. This is a luxury countless Pakistanis don’t have.
Water Crisis in Pakistan
Pakistan has the fourth highest rate of water usage in the world and will be the most water stressed country in the region by 2040. What’s more is that we will be facing ‘absolute water scarcity’ by 2025 – in 6 years time.
Take a moment to let that sink in.
Pakistan is one of the most water-intensive countries in the world with a huge amount of water being consumed in the agriculture industry, where it is also often lost and wasted due to inadequate old/ traditional methods of irrigation. Besides this, water logging and siltation are becoming more and more common, making water unusable.
Read: 5 Must Do Things To Prepare For The Upcoming Heat Wave In Pakistan
Additionally, Pakistan has only two large reservoirs in which water can be stored for 30 days whereas India has the capacity to store water for 190 days.
So why is it that this issue is so often neglected by political figures and the government? Â
Calling on the Government
According to the IMF, Pakistan ranks third in the world in countries facing acute water shortage. This alarming fact needs to be a wake-up call for government officials and bureaucrats to start taking immediate action.
Taxation on Water for Agricultural Use
There needs to be more taxation on water in the agriculture sector so in turn, there is less usage. Initially, this will not be a measure openly welcomed by everyone but you know what they say about desperate times…
Need for Larger Dams
Secondly, there is a need for larger reservoirs i.e. dams for the storage of water, which can also include silt traps. While this will be financially demanding, Pakistan desperately needs methods for water conservation and such a measure will pay off in the long run.
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The National Water Policy of 2018 indeed stated that the building of small and large dams will take place and this is something the government needs to follow through with.
Loans for Farmers to Modernize Irrigation System
Not only this, but the government can even provide loans to a number of large-scale farmers who can develop modern irrigation systems to prevent water theft, loss and seepage.
Learning From India To Combat the Water Crisis in Pakistan
In the past, Pakistan has cooperated with its neighbor, India in order to prevent water issues for both countries; the Indus Water Treaty singed in 1960 being a prime example.
Read: STOP Pakistan From Heading Towards A Major Environmental Catastrophe!
In present day, it is evident that Indians are coming-up with innovative ways to conserve and supply clean water from which Pakistanis can take inspiration as well.
Take a look at this video of rainwater being collected for usage in Surat, India.
Water from heavy rain is collected via pipelines and drained into cemented banks at an apartment complex. Here, it is filtered thoroughly so waste material is left behind and clean water enters the second bank – from where it is transported to factories. This way, there is less of a burden on groundwater and rainwater can conveniently be supplied for usage.
The work these Indians are doing is definitely commendable!
With Pakistan’s water table deteriorating rapidly, solutions like these can really help in combating the water crisis. They are viable, not too much of a financial burden and may be executed in various areas.
Let’s Do More, Pakistan
Do your part – turn the tap off, take shorter showers, educate your community on the immense importance of water conservation. Let us all make some positive changes today to see a better tomorrow!
