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Topic: Water Resources Management and Future Challenges in Pakistan. Abstract: Pakistan once the water rich country with the passage of time it is now become a water deficit country. Pakistan is basically the agricultural country. Its total planted area is 23 billion hectares. The total irrigated area is about 19.05 million hectares( Altaf, A et al., 1993). There are many problems and controversies over the sharing of resources between different countries and regions. There are total 315 national river basin around world and they cover more than 48% of the world’s land. In the coming 50 - 100 years there is probability of about 70-95 % water wars , as the water resources are depleted day by day and water scarcity is the major challenge for Pakistan’s development (Mianabadi, H et al., 2013). As Pakistan’s population is projected to 230 million by the year 2025 (Economic Survey of Pakistan, 2013-14). Due to population rise, the demand for water and everything is reaching the sky. Water scarcity and droughts are the main reasons that force countries to plan and establish the water conservation strategy and opt the water conservation techniques (AYAZ AHMED, 2007). Various steps should be taken to manage water including efficient techniques, to apply integrated approaches, Cleaning of canals and water courses programmes, groundwater regulation projects ,Incentive based public projects etc. WAPDA report has shown that approximately 6MAF of water can be saved by the proper lining of canals. Similarly, improvements of water courses can save 3.7 MAF of water. Small dams should be constructed to store flood water various other projects are under process. Blue revolution could meet challenges and losses at larger level. The proper lining of the canal system could also decrease water shortfalls and in this way, water will be available for future generations. Introduction: Water is the main source that is very important for life. Pakistan has a large number of water resources gifted from God. It has rivers that flowing down from Himalayas and Karakoram. Pakistan is basically the agricultural country. Its total planted area is 23 billion hectares. The total irrigated area is about 19.05 million hectares(Altaf, A et al., 1993). This agriculture system contributes to 25% of Pakistan’s GDP. Pakistan’s half of the manual labor is hired in this agriculture region. So, water is the backbone of the economy its importance for the country’s economy cannot be rejected. WAPDA created to construct and run main dams and canals built
by Indus Basin development programme. Various other stakeholders are also work on this conservation system (Kaleem, Omar 2007). Pakistan in the past was water rich country now due to the over use of water it is now become a water deficit country. Currently , water ability in Pakistan is about 1150 m^3 annual per capita. In future water availability level is predicted about 750 m^3 in 2025 and country will face chronic water stress because below 1000 m^3 counties will have to face water scarcity issues. In Pakistan, the gap between demand and supply of water has increased instability in the country. Due to prolonged drought in the country during current years fresh water of the country has decreased , that highlighted the significance of adopting mitigation measures to conserve water resources(Altaf, A et al., 1993). As far as water resource management is concerned distributing water sources in the area or with other countries is a very widespread issue. There are many problems and controversies over the sharing of resources between different countries and regions. These water disputes sometimes precedes to violence , internal as well as national dilemma. The controversies over water become more intense due the rapidly increasing population, climatic conditions changes and more use of water .There are total 315 national river basin around world and they cover more than 48% of the world’s land. In the coming 50-100 years there is probability of about 70-95 % water wars , as the water resources are depleted day by day and water scarcity is the major challenge for Pakistan’s development (Mianabadi, H et al., 2013). Due to rapidly increasing population , Government of Pakistan has to make strategies in order to provide water to agriculture , industries and for other humans needs. In order to manage water resources large scale reservoirs , link canals are involve in management approach. As Pakistan is agricultural country 93% of water is consumes for irrigation purposes. The mismanagement of or shortage of water will have great impact on the agriculture as well as on the country’s economy. Pakistan’s water problems are multiple no single but interrelated problems are there to tackle. Therefore, country has to develop smart management system for the next generations in order to avoid water shortage. Water resources of Pakistan: There are many water resources in Pakistan but two major resources such as Natural water resources and other one is artificial resources. Natural water resources those sources which consist of usually fresh water which is useful for agriculture purpose, and for industrial and recreational use. e.g., Rainfall, Glaciers, Polar ice caps. Artificial water Resources those
melting of glaciers. Glaciers are deplete in Pakistan due to increase in global warming, which is the main reason of melting of glaciers , glaciers absorb the radiation which is come from the sun and some light is absorbed by glaciers and the remaining one is reflect from the surface of glaciers is called Albedo (Ming, 2015). Hence Albedo also has impact our climate because of albedo our earth reflect more radiation from sun reflect to space and temperature of earth become decrease and earth temperature cool. As we know that total length of glaciers is one hundred sixty kilometer in Karakorum. Thirty seven percent area are under its range, 17 percent and 22 percent has glacier range Himalaya and Europe, respectively. There are many biggest glaciers in Pakistan such as, Sachem glacier, Baltoro glacier, Rakaposhi Glacier, Passu Glacier ,Concordia, Abruzzi Glacier. Rivers and Dams: As we know that Allah has bestow Pakistan with the blessing of rivers. There are five major rivers in Pakistan Ravi ,Jhelum ,Beas, Sutlej , and Chenab .There are three minor rivers are Haro, Soan, Siran .There are dames which is constructed by man to store the water of rain for useful purpose such as to produce hydroelectric power to prevent from flood which deteriorate the small towns cities and agricultural land and this water use for irrigation purpose (Ahmed, 2007). There was only three dams during independence of Pakistan. The khushdil khan – dam which is constructed in 1890. Spin Karzai dam which is constructed in 1945 and it was situated in area of Baluchistan. In Pakistan, the dam construction started in 1955 after independence when Pakistan realize the shortage of electricity and due to this Warsak Dam was constructed on Kabul River near Peshawar. Surface water: Surface water resources depend only Indus River, total length of Indus River is 2900 kilometer. There are five major tributaries which join the eastern side, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. From western side small tributaries also join the Indus River. All Rivers flow individually in Pakistan they start from melting of snow and monsoon rain, flow of rivers
maximum in summer and minimum in winters (Ahmad S. , 2007). The annual MAF of 77 years ago in Pakistan. Figure-2: Water development potential. The Indus basin irrigation system consisting sixteen barrages. The flow of Indus River varies from year to year. Ground water The important resource of water is groundwater which is easily available, and 99 percent contain fresh water. Last four year the availability increase of fresh water in Pakistan. Our Government of Punjab cover 70 percent aquifer while Sindh has covered 28 percent. Potential of aquifer is almost 50 MAF (Khan, 2016). The most important this water is used for irrigation purpose. In Baluchistan water is extracted in different ways such as dug wells, tube wells, springs etc. in Pakistan irrigation system is so large or huge from this water all crops and land irrigated. Water Requirement of Pakistan: In Pakistan, the major contributor to GDP and employment is agriculture and the production of agriculture is directly proportional to the water availability. As Pakistan’s population is supposed to rise to 230 million by the year 2025 (Economic Survey of Pakistan, 2013-14). Due to population rise, the demand for food and crops reaching high levels. In other words, rapid population growth, urbanization and increasing demand for food is increasing Water demand for the agriculture production. Demand for the water is increasing day by day but the recharge of
The crops of Rabi season are affected more due to the shortage of water along with the cotton crop. In Sindh, production is more affected as crops are grown much early in the province of Punjab (Farooq et al.2019). on the basis of water availability following are the main issues:
- The varying availability of water (surface water) annually and in different seasons along with the global warming impact.
- The damage of the ecosystem as a result of intrusion of sea water due to less flow below Kotri.
- By sedimentation, the reservoirs storage capacity is reduced.
- Low supply of water for the irrigation purpose and more use of water for the purpose of domestic and industrial use.
- Poor system for the delivery of water for irrigation and supply system of municipal water.
- Damage of quality of water by sewage disposal which remain untreated.
- By more use of water, the depletion of water tables.
- If the tube wells performance in not good the pumping costs also increase. Drought: In recent years there are more chances of droughts. The dry air or drought season will come in four years out of 10 years (Khalown et al.2019). There was very low rate of precipitation in the period of 1997-2000. In this period there was less precipitation than 50 p.c of the normal, which cause a loss of agriculture (Majeed et al.2019).1997 was the peak period after that period the rain falls are causing decrease trend. Droughts are result of that low rainfall. By these low river flows due to low rain most human lives were lost along with policies (Farooq et al.2019). There is a need of comprehensive policy framework which will solve the water shortage problem in the area. long drought condition damaged 75 districts out of 106 districts in Pakistan. By estimates from 1999 November to July of 2000, 2.48 million of live stocks and 143 human lives were lost (Tariq et al. 2019). There was a more loss in the province of Baluchistan and Sindh arid areas. Along with this the decrease likes malnutrition, infections related to respiration, diarrhea,
the diseases of malaria and measles and dislocation of families permanently was also detected (Khalown et al.2019). The effect of the drought on the agriculture crops was also high. In Barani area the loss of crop was three million hectares and 50 billion rupees estimated loss of cost (Majeed et al.2019). Reduction in capacities of major reservoirs RESERVOIR LIVE STORAGE
decrease
CAPACITY percentage
STARTING 2000 2010 2000 2010
MANGLA 1967 5.3 4.5 4.2 15 21
TERBELA 1974 9.7 8.8 7.3 9 25
CHASHMA 1971 0.7 0.3 0.2 57 71
TOTAL 15.7 13.6 11.7 13 25
In adequate storage and sedimentation: In last period of 2010 the storage capacity of 3 of major reservoirs decreases by 40 pc. In this condition there efficient system of irrigation appropriate solution and re-assessments of the system. Ground water overdraft and water logging and salinity: The over pumping due to the continued abstraction of ground water results in water table decreasing. Most prominent areas include the areas of Lahore, urban areas of Punjab, some Baluchistan areas and Sindh. The depletion of aquifers needs to recharge immediately (Farooq et al.2019). The mismanagement of agriculture irrigation causes salinity and water logging. It also causes flat topography, seepage from unlined earthen canals, and use of drainage effluent having a poor efficiency. Low-system efficiency and productivity: Irrigation system of Pakistan has rivers, canals, distributaries, water courses and irrigated fields. Water is also lost as a result of seepage and evaporation. Various studies
Shahpur 1977 - 89 1 6 0 Peshawar 1979 - 88 5 - 2 1 Mardan 1979 - 88 - 4 - 5 0 Khairpur 1965 - 88 1 6 - 2 Bannu 1978 - 88 - 6 4 - 5 North kohri 1977 - 88 - 5 5 1 South kohri 1979 - 88 - 2 5 0 Ghotki 1978 - 88 7 2 0 Larkana 1978 - 88 - 1 - 7 0 Shikarpur 1976 - 88 - 5 1 0 Sukkur 1975 - 88 - 5 - 3 8 Water Resource Management in Pakistan: Water scarcity and droughts are the main reasons that force countries to plan and establish the water conservation strategy and opt the water conservation techniques (AYAZ AHMED, 2007). In Islamic point of view, Islam do not allow the utilization of water unnecessarily. In Islam, we see the best example of Hazarat Hajira that she gathered water under the hot sun and the water was sprouted from the rock soil. Allah liked her struggle so much that it has now the principle part of Hajj to the Day of Judgment. In addition, stoppage of water with stones was the primary step to store the water for usage. And this concept helped to construct dams. In Pakistan only two dams have been constructed after the Independence Day. While the other countries like India have constructed 24 and Turkey have constructed 24 and 65 dams respectively during the same time period. As the sedimentation in reservoir is rapidly increasing the water resources as well as lower the energy production for the expansion of agricultural sector. Keeping in view this important point, Pakistani Government is seeking to prospect the projects for the storage to meet the water demand for agriculture, domestic as well as industrial uses. Prospective storage projects of Pakistan are as follow: 1 - Basha Dam: Storage Capacity: Live (MAF): 6.4 Gross: 7. Installed Capacity: 4500MW
Status: Engineering designs are under preparations 2 - Kalabagh Dam: Storage Capacity: Live (MAF): 6.10 Gross: 7. Installed Capacity: 3600MW Status: Ready for implementation. 3 - Skardu Dam: Storage Capacity: Live (MAF): 6.10 Gross: 7. Installed Capacity: 4000MW Status: Under study. 4 - Akhori Dam: Storage Capacity: Live (MAF): 3.60 Gross: 7. Installed Capacity: 600MW Status: Under construction. 5 - Munda Dam: Storage Capacity: Live (MAF): 0.56 Gross: 1. Installed Capacity: 660MW Status: Engineering design under preparation. Currently there is biggest issue prevailing with the water sector of Pakistan to solve the issue of water scarcity with the help of conservation strategy. Currently many large- and small-scale projects have been established to supply water by augmentation (AYAZ AHMED, 2007). These projects include Mangla Dam, Gomal Zam dam. Kachhi canal, sat para dam, Sabakzai Dam, Diamer Basha Dam, Kurram Tangi dam etc. Priority has been given to the completion of the ongoing projects. Studies have shown that with the completion of these projects, approximately 3,239,882 acres will be irrigated. It is the need of the hour to work on the water conservation strategies because the demand for agriculture and Industry is rising day by day. Water
Better water management strategies Harness of uncultivated lands for irrigation purposes Enhance the strength of Institutional capacity through financial sustainability. Conclusion: The importance of water cannot be denied as it is necessary for commercial growth and advancement of Pakistan as it is works as the backbone of the economy. Due to shortage of water and power crisis, global warming is an additional major task for the country(Kaleem, Omar 2007). Water is polluting not good for drinking. Water quality status is shown in the graph. There are many future challenges that Pakistan is going to face till 2025 regarding water availability. The damage of the ecosystem as a result of intrusion of sea water due to less flow below Kotri. By sedimentation, the reservoirs storage capacity is reduced. Low supply of water for the irrigation purpose and more use of water for the purpose of domestic and industrial use. Damage of quality of water by sewage disposal which remain untreated. By more use of water, the depletion of water tables and many others. There is need to take wise steps to overcome the shortage of water (AYAZ AHMED, 2007). Various steps should be taken to manage water 48% 16% 31% 5%
WATER QUALITY STATUS
Punjab Sindh KPK Balochistan
including efficient techniques, to apply integrated approaches, Cleaning of canals and water courses programmes, groundwater regulation projects ,Incentive based public projects etc. Small dams should be constructed to store flood water. Blue revolution could meet challenges and losses at larger level. The proper lining of the canal system could also decrease water shortfalls and in this way, water will be available for future generations. Discussion: Water sources of Pakistan have been waning at a considerable rate as we can see from the above stated facts. Water quality is also deteriorating day by day as we can predict that drinking water somehow diminishes from earth. There is a need to improve the situation by doing water management and good governance at all levels. Different recommendations are proposed in this way. There is need to improve research and development activities in water sources at nationwide. There is already started various projects of dam constructions these under construction projects need to be completed by WPADA. The Agriculture department also work to implement the high efficiency irrigation system and also for lining of water system and watercourses etc. The government of Pakistan also implement these strategies explained in this paper and check the progress of these activities monthly or annually(Kahlown et al. 2003).
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