KARACHI:
According to a report by the International Monetary Fund, Pakistan is placed third on the list of countries facing water scarcity. Earlier this year, experts warned that Pakistan will soon face acute water shortages if prompt measures were not taken. The country’s rivers have dried up due to low rainfall and India’s blockade over water flow has further worsened the situation. The availability of fresh water in the country is 1,100 cubic metres which is extremely low and is expected to further decline up to 860 cubic metres by 2025.
Some have suggested that part of Pakistan’s water problem is because of the mismanagement of water by the relevant authorities. Water scarcity in Pakistan can be addressed by reducing losses, improving efficiency, and adopting better irrigation techniques. The “drip and sprinkler irrigation scheme”, which was recently tested in Punjab proved efficient in saving large proportions of irrigation water. It should be implemented in all agricultural regions across Pakistan.
Water scarcity will threaten the livelihoods of the ever-growing population of the country and can cause food shortages, which will raise the risk of civil unrest, malnutrition and hunger. In addition, water is required for raw materials such as cotton that drives the export sector of Pakistan. Therefore, if water runs out, the export sector will also be threatened. Unfortunately, many people have remained unaware of the risks of water scarcity. It is imperative that people are informed of the need to conserve water through widespread awareness campaigns. The government must shift attention to this pressing issue and implement measures to tackle the crisis before it spirals out of hand.
Fatima Imam Baksh
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2021.
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