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Essay on “Water Crisis in Pakistan and its Remedies” for CSS, PMS, Judiciary Examinations

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  • August 30, 2021
  • Essay for CSS PMS and Judiciary Exam

This is an essay on “Water Crisis in Pakistan and its Remedies” for CSS, PMS, and Judiciary Examinations. Pakistan’s big arguably, biggest — problem is water scarcity. The country faces acute water scarcity by 2025 and will be the most water-stressed country in South Asia within two decades. Almost 30 million Pakistanis have no access to clean water. Find below the complete Essay on the water crisis in Pakistan and its remedies.

World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) report

Causes of the water crisis

  • No dams construction
  • Dispute between the provinces
  • Demands of Sindh
  • Punjab’s role
  • Lack of proper water management
  • Climate change
  • Mismanagement of resource

Indian propaganda since 1947

  • Standstill Agreement
  • Role of the president of the World Bank
  • Indus Basin Treaty 1960
  • Wullar Barrage (The Tulbal Navigation Lock)
  • Kishanganga Project
  • Baghlihar Dam

Sources of Water

  • Indus River
  • Closed basin Kharan desert
  • Makran coastal basin
  • Water reservoirs/ capacities
  • Terbela dam reservoir
  • Mangla dam reservoir
  • Chashma barrage reservoir
  • Utilization of water
  • Power generation

Water and Agriculture

Impact on Economy

Recommendations for Water Crisis

  • Kalabagh dam
  • Thal reservoir
  • Raised Mangla dam
  • Gomalzam dam
  • Water management
  • Use of alternative sources of energy

Essay on “Water Crisis in Pakistan and its Remedies” for CSS, PMS, Judiciary Examinations

According to the World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan is one of the most “water-stressed” countries in the world; it is likely to face an acute water shortage over the next five years due to lack of water availability for irrigation, industry and human consumption. A WB report states that the water supply in Pakistan has fallen from 5,000 cubic meters per capita to 1,000 cubic meters in 2010, and is likely to further reduce to 800 cubic meters per capita by 2020. Contributory factors consist of an increase in population, climate change, lack of a solid vision to construct water reservoirs, and misplaced use of Jhelum and Chenab rivers by India under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960 that has resulted in reduced flow of water to Pakistan.

The water crisis has two dimensions. First is the distribution of water among the four provinces, particularly between Punjab and Sindh. The second is between Pakistan and India arising because of utilizing water from the Chenab and Jhelum rivers. The first problem basically arises from the second one.

India got the right to fully utilize water from the three eastern rivers; Ravi, Bias, and Sutlej, while Pakistan was to utilize water from the three western rivers; Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). India was also permitted limited irrigation of 1,343 million acres (2.85 MAF) from western rivers. Water for Pakistan was not quantified. However, it is implied in the treaty that India is not to exceed the specified limit for water utilization. If India continues with its current strategy of building dams on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, then there would be serious implications for Pakistan’s agriculture and national security. It would aggravate the already strained relationship between the two countries, which is due to the unresolved Kashmir issue.

A very strong perception exists in Pakistan that India in its quest to utilize water from Chenab and Jhelum rivers and is not fulfilling its obligations under the IWT. It wants to constrict the flow of water to Pakistan. This strategy has a hidden political agenda to create scarcity of irrigation water that would hurt Pakistan’s economy and agriculture sector in between 10-15 years. The national interests of both countries would be best served if India honored its comn1ittnents under the IWT. But, is India ready to address Pakistan’s concerns or wants to safeguard its own interests by violating the IWT that could lead to worsening of relations between the two countries?

The Water Crisis at the National Level Exists due to the following reasons:

  •  In the past, the public leadership did not succeed to develop a consensus on the construction of huge water reservoirs, particularly the Kalabagh dam that could have addressed many of the power and water problems that are being faced today.
  • Provinces are in dispute over their respective share of water under the IWT, with particular reference to utilizing water for Kharif and Rabi seasons through link canals managed by the Indus River System Authority (Irsa). Irsa has stopped satisfying Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces over the distribution of irrigation water for the current Rabi season because of a 34.0 percent shortage of water, primarily due to the construction of the Baglihar dam on Chenab. Water supply would be further constricted because of the planned construction of the Basrur multipower project, Siwalkot dam, and Pakot Dul dam on Chenab river by India. Unless resolved it would continue to be a recurring problem.
  • The Sindh Assembly has demanded scrapping the Hydropower project on the Chashma Jhelum link canal, a key project for the Punjab government . There is a strong perception in Sindl1 that the project would constrict the flow of water to the province and hurt its agriculture as well.
  • Punjab 1s accused of stealing 16,000 cusecs of water between Taunsa and Guddu, from 2nd to 4th Feb 2010. The Punjab government claims that system losses are to blame for the water that has disappeared.
  • Because of an absence of proper water management essentially at the secondary canal level, water crisis, particularly at the lower parts of these canals, is very evident. Coupled with flood irrigation, either irrigation by flooding basins or using the old Punchoo system, the water crisis keeps on increasing its intensity day by day. IRSA has no telemetry system and we cannot decide to distribute water by going beyond letter sense and include the spirit of the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991, we do not see an end to this water crisis in Pakistan.

As far as the scarcity of water in Pakistan is concerned, apparently, it has also to do with:

1. Climatic changes

2. Negligence and mismanagement of water resources by successive governments in Pakistan

Global warming has led to the melting of the Himalayan glaciers and consequent depletion in the flow of water into the Indus River system. The trend is likely to continue with rising temperatures. It is not that only the agricultural sector, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy , is suffering; due to depleting water supply, there is reduced power generation from the hydroelectric plants, having a devastating impact on the country’s industries too. Pakistan has no control over nature. However, it can improve the management of water resources. Pakistan needs to address the following problems on an urgent basis:

  • The silting of dams and barrages is a continuous process. Due to heavy sediments carried by the rivers, Tarbela, Mangla and Chasma Dams have lost nearly 25% of their capacity.
  • An estimated 40% of the water that runs through canals is lost because of seepage. The reason is the canal beds and banks are unlined, poorly lined, or porous.
  • Traditional and antiquated agricultural techniques lead to excessive loss of water.
  • While water-intensive varieties of crops, like sugarcane and rice, are cultivated. Optimum crop rotation is imperative but is not done effectively.

On 2 June 2008, Pakistan’s National Economic Council met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and approved the development strategy based on the Medium Term Development Framework 2005-10. The water sector part of the overall strategy concentrates on water augmentation, water conservation, and effective use of water. It calls for the development of additional medium and large-size reservoirs with priority.

The water storages to be completed, by 2016 include Akhori Dam, Basha-Diamer Dam, Kalabagh Dam, and Munda Dam. Simultaneously the ongoing projects such as raising the structures of Mangla Dam, Gomal Dam, Satpra Dam, Kurram Tangi Dam, and Sabakzai Dam are also to be the top priority. The Medium-Term Development Framework 2005-10 also envisages a number of other measures, including reclamation of land from waterlogging and salinity, improvement of watercourses and ground-water management, etc.

Last year, 20 different UN bodies had warned; “Water is linked to the crisis of climate change, energy and food supplies and prices, and troubled financial markets. Unless their links with water are addressed and water crises around the world are resolved, these other crises may intensify and local water crises may worsen, converging into a global water crisis and leading to political insecurity and conflict at various levels”.

In a recent report, the United Nations has estimated that Pakistan’s water supply has dropped from about 5,000 cubic meters per person in the 1950s to about 1,420 cubic meters. Any further drop would seriously jeopardize economic growth and would be a health hazard. Notwithstanding Indus Basin Treaty, The need for effective international cooperation among riparian countries is greater now than ever before. The demand for water in all countries is escalating and increasingly the harmful effects of activities in upstream countries are being observed. Over a third of the 200 international river basins, are not covered, by an international agreement; only some 30, including Pakistan and India, have co-operative institutional arrangements.

Clearly, efforts are needed to formulate and reach an agreement on an international “code of conduct” or convention in the utilization of shared water basins so that the water needs of some countries are not undermined by irresponsible utilization of water resources by others. Improved international co-operation is also necessary regarding the transfer of knowledge and technology in the water resources field. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, 1998, sets the standard for all agreements involving the shared use of trans boundary water, resources.

It specifically establishes the dual criteria of “equitable and reasonable utilization”‘ of the water resources and the need to “exchange data and consult on the possible effects of planned measures on the condition” of the water resource. The U.N. Convention provides the overall framework for Transboundary water sharing.

The partition of the South Asian Subcontinent on 14 August 1947 into the dominions of India and Pakistan gave birth to a host of problems, including that of the sharing of waters of the mighty Indus River System. The issue was of concern to Pakistan because the headworks of the rivers that irrigated Pakistan’s Punjab province mostly went to the Indian side. On 30 December 1947, Pakistan and India concluded a ‘Standstill Agreement’ for a three-month period under which Pakistan continued to receive water supply from the headworks of Madhopur on River Ravi and Ferozepur on River Sutlej, the two tributaries of River Indus. As the interim arrangement ended on 31 March 1948, the next day the Government of Indian Punjab stopped the supply of water to Pakistan from the Madhopur headwork, affecting, according to one estimate, 5.5% of Pakistan’s irrigated area.

Pakistan raised the issue at the Inter-Dominion Conference held on 3-4 May 1948. India dismissed Pakistan’s claim over water, from the headworks on its side as a matter of right but agreed to release water as a provisional arrangement. It was thus abundantly clear that slowly and gradually the quantity of water would be reduced. In 1951, David Lilienthal, who had formerly served as Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority and as Chairman of the US Atomic Energy Commission, undertook a research tour of Pakistan and India for writing a series of articles. In one of his articles, he opined that it would be very beneficial for the region if the two countries cooperated to jointly develop and operate the Indus Basin river system. He further suggested that the World Bank might play its role in bringing India and Pakistan to agree on some plan to develop the Indus river system for mutual benefit.

President of the World Bank, Eugene Black, picked up the idea and offered his good offices to resolve the issue of water sharing between India and Pakistan. The two neighbors welcomed the initiative and after tough bargaining during the protracted negotiations that spread, over nine years arrived at the contours of the agreement. Broad parameters thus settled the work of drafting began. Finally, m September 1960, President of Pakistan Field Marshall Mohammad Ayub Khan and Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru signed the Indus Water Treaty in Karachi.

Following are the provisions of the Indus Basin Treaty 1960

  • Pakistan surrendered three eastern rivers, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas to India with some minor rights to Pakistan.
  • Largely three western rivers namely Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab remained with Pakistan.
  • India was allowed to use water from the western rivers for irrigation of 642,000 acres of land that were already being irrigated from these rivers along with an entitlement to further irrigate 701,000 acres for crops.
  • India was also given specified entitlement for ‘other’ storage, including, power and flood storage i.e., storage for non-consumptive purposes.
  • Pakistan was to meet the requirements of its eastern river canals from the western rivers by constructing replacement works.
  • Both parties are bound to. regularly exchange flow data of rivers, canals, and streams.
  • A Permanent Indus Water Commission, with one Commissioner from each side, was to be set up to resolve issues.
  • The procedures were set out for settlement of ‘questions’ ‘differences’ and ‘disputes’, bilaterally and through neutral experts and International Court of Arbitration as the case might be.

Since Pakistan required considerable time to build the necessary infrastructure to divert water from western rivers to eastern rivers and their canals on its side, India was to allow the ‘historic withdrawals’ on the part of Pakistan during the transitory period. According to the Treaty, two dams (Mangla on River Jhelum and Tarbela on River Indus) were to be built It also envisaged five barrages Maraia and Qadirabad on River Chenab, Sidhnai on River Ravi, Rasul on River Jhelum, Chashma on River Indus, and Mailsi on River Sutlej. Besides, one siphon and seven link canals (Rasul-Qadirabad on Rivers Jhelum-Chenab, Qadirabad-Balloki on Rivers Chenab-Ravi, Balloki-Suleimanki II and Sidhnai-Mailsi on Rivers Ravi-Sutlej, Chashma-Jhelum on Rivers Indus-Jhelum and Trimmu-Sidhnai on Rivers Indus-Ravi), to be constructed in Pakistan.

To meet the financial cost, India was to pay a fixed amount of US $ 62.060 million over a period of ten years. An international consortium pledged the US $ 900 million. The World Bank was to administer the Indus Basin, Development Fund. The Indus Basin Project was completed despite all hurdles those included opposition and reservations from many quarters in Pakistan who felt that Pakistan’s rights as a lower riparian state had been compromised. This amounted to a successful resolution of a major dispute over the world’s largest, contiguous irrigation system with a command area of about 20 million hectares.

Although the Indus Water Treaty has been a remarkable success story, lately some projects are undertaken by India in the Occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir from where the western rivers flow into Pakistan have become major irritants and raised serious concerns in Pakistan:

India has embarked upon the construction of a huge network of water storage facilities, the national river linking project at an estimated cost of $120 bn likely to be completed by 2016. It includes the construction of the Basrur multi-power project, Siwalkot dam, and Pakot Dul dam on Chenab, in addition to the already constructed Baglihar dam. In 1985, India started construction of a barrage known as ‘Wullar Barrage (The Tulbal Navigation Lock)’ some 439 feet long and with a lock at the mouth of Wullar Lake, the largest freshwater Lake in Indian occupied, disputed, and held territory.

Purportedly but not so innocently, the stated purpose of the barrage was to make possible navigation in a 22 km stretch between the towns of Sopore and Baramula, during the lean winter season by regulating the flow of the River Jhelum. Pakistan raised objections to this project and the construction work halted in 1987. Pakistan contends that India cannot store water in excess of 0.01 MAF as ‘incidental storage’ on River Jhelum. Pakistan also apprehends that the Wullar Barrage may cause damage to its own project of linking Jhelum and Chenab with the Upper Bari Doab Canal. One important concern of Pakistan, which is extraneous to the Indus Water Treaty but squarely a security issue, is that in case of war between the two countries, India would take advantage of its ability to control the flow of water and make the crossing of the river easy or difficult according to strategic and tactical military requirement.

India, as usual, but erroneously contends that the Wullar Barrage would regulate the flow of water into Jhelum and control the floods. It would not reduce the overall quantum of water flow rather increase it during the lean winter season. All fair weather pretension and an obvious ruse, to get away with an extremely hurtful project to Pakistan. The project’s impact, India asserts, would be beneficial to Mangla Dam in power generation and to Pakistan’s triple canal system due to the regulated flow of water. The matter remains unresolved.

Outrageously on the Kishanganga Project, the Indians hawk on the premise that it will ostensibly bring water from River Kishanganga to Wullar Lake, where a hydroelectric power station is proposed. The project envisages the construction of a channel and a tunnel for this purpose. Simultaneously to build a dam, near the place where River Kishanganga crosses the Line of Control to enter Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where it is known as Neelum.

Here Pakistan plans to construct a 969 MW-capacity Neelum-Jhelum Power Plant with Chinese assistance. The Pakistani project is to going to be completed in 2017, due to a delay in construction work. Pakistan is genuinely concerned and fears that the Kishanganga Project would lead to a shortfall of water flow into Neelum, reducing its power generation by an estimated 9%. The Indus Water Treaty does not bar any party from storing water for power generation as per entitlement.

However, there is the principle of prior appropriation enshrined in the Treaty. India intends to complete the Kishanganga Project by 2016 to avail the opportunity of diverting K.ishanganga’a water to Wullar Lake before Pakistan is able to invoke the provision of prior appropriation. India also claims that Pakistan need not worry because the water diverted by the l<ishanganga Project would reach Pakistan through River Jhelum, no matter Neelum-Jhelum project suffers.

In 1999, India began construction work of 470-feet high, 317 meters wide Baghlihar Dam, also known as Baghlihar Hydroelectric Power Project, oh River Chenab in Doda District of Indian occupied Kashmir. Although India called it a run-of-the-river project, the dam was to have a ‘pond age’ of 15 million cubics! Deters with submerged gated spillways.

Pakistan raised objection to the project design on the ground that the submerged gate ‘spillways would enable India to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir and, if India desired, to halt the supply of water to Pakistan for more than three weeks during the winter season. Pakistan fears that it would lose between 7000 to 8000 cusecs of water per day for Rabi crops. Pakistan also sensed the danger of inundation of the area above Maraia Head Works, if India released water simultaneously from Dulhasti, Baghlihar, and Sala! Darns into River Chenab. Pakistan viewed the Baghlihar Project as another security risk, in times of tension or war, as India would be able to control the flow of water facilitating or hampering the movement of Indian/Pakistani troops according to its requirement.

After the Indus Water Commission failed to resolve the Baghlihar Dam issue, the matter was referred to the World Bank which acknowledged that the issue amounted to a ‘difference’ and appointed Professor Raymond Lafitte, an engineer from Switzerland, as the neutral expert to decide the matter. On 12 February 2007, Lafitte gave his verdict directing India to reduce the capacity of pond age by 13.5% and the height of the Dams’ structure by 1.5 meters. He also called for raising power intake tunnels by 3 meters to reduce flow-control capability. Pakistan had reservations about the verdict but both India and Pakistan agreed to abide by it. The matter, it appears, stands closed.

It is heartening to see that during its recent visit to Pakistan to discuss Indus Water issues, the Indian delegation conceded that all “water disputes must be resolved within an agreed timeframe.” Pakistan’s Indus Commissioner Syed Jamaal Ali Shah told the Indian delegation that a reduction in supplies was jeopardizing the water transfer operation to the eastern part of Pakistan. He also conveyed the message that Pakistan wanted India to take necessary steps if deforestation and environmental impact affected the river flow on its side.

Now dams will be Discussed in detail.

World’s largest earth and rock-filled dam were built at Terbela on river Indus in 1976 with a gross capacity of 11.62 maf and a live storage capacity of 9.68 maf. With the passage of time, due to silting, 24.6% of the storage has been lost and now it has a live storage of 7.295 maf.

Mangla reservoir is the second major storage of Pakistan. It was built in 1967 on river Jhelum with a gross capacity of 5.882 maf and live storage of 5.41 maf. Again due to siltation it has lost 13.2% of its storage and presently can store 4.636 MAF of water.

Chashma barrage is situated on river Indus and was built in 1972 with a gross storage of0.870 maf and live storage of O.717 maf. It has also reduced its storage capacity by 39.3% and is left with a storage capacity of0.435 maf.

In Pakistan, we utilize the water available to us for different purposes. The basic utilization is for irrigation and then used for power generation, drinking, and also provided to some Industries.

Whereas impact on the economy is concerned, according to the estimates of the federal government, the agriculture sector would suffer a loss of about Rs. 90 billion because of drought. Since agriculture has remained a major source of shouldering the already crippled economy , it has a vital role to play particularly in terms of food security and employment of the ever-burgeoning population of the country. It contributes around 35 % to the GNP and employs about 44% of the labor force. It also contributes 65% of our export earnings. The adverse effects of water shortage on agriculture would have a spiraling effect on the prevailing level of poverty.

  •  Less water means less agricultural yields and to fulfill the food requirements of the nation, we will be dependent on other countries.
  • Raising livestock is the main source of livelihood in rural areas. It is also an important economic activity, which contributes 9.7% of GDP, which will be affected due to a shortage of water.
  • Orchards of Pakistan bring home a healthy amount of foreign exchange, which can be affected due to water shortage.
  • Due to less production of main crops, which are wheat, cotton, sugar cane, and rice, the Industries related to them will suffer adversely.
  • Then due to drought and more dependency on groundwater for irrigation, the water table will go down, and this will cause water constraints to the population.
  • Less agricultural outputs will compel people to head towards urban areas for jobs, which will increase unemployment further.
  • The distribution of water is controlled from the center by IRSA (Indus river system authority) as per the 1991 agreement between the provinces. Now the shortage of water will cause disputes between the provinces, which may cause harm to the national integrity.

So for overcoming the water crisis, following steps are recommended:

The national water strategy must be based upon two essential elements covering

1. Water developments

2. Water management

In water development, the following dams should start immediately;-

Bhasha dam would be located 200 miles upstream of Terbela on river Indus. its gross storage capacity would be 7.3 maf and live storage 5.7 maf. Its power generation capacity would be 3360 mw.

Kalabagh dam site is located 132 miles downstream of Terbela. Its gross storage would be 6.1 maf. It would have a power generation of 3600 mw.

That reservoir would be located on the right bank of Chashma – Jhelum link canal, along the western bank of river Jhelum. Its reservoir would have a gross capacity of 2.3 maf.

In this, the present Mangla dam would be further raised by 40 ft and thus increasing its gross capacity to 9.5 maf. In addition, its power generation capacity would be increased by 15%.

Mirani dam is located on Dasht River about 48 km of Turbat town in Mekran division. Its main objective is to provide water for irrigation. Its gross storage is 0.30 maf.

Gomalzam dam is located at Khajori Kach on Gomal River in South Waziristan, about 75 miles from Dera Ismail Khan. Its main objective will be to irrigate 132000 acres of land, power generation of 17.4 mw, and flood control.

From these projects, we shall be able to store an additional 20maf of water. Managing water resources is the need of time, and we in Pakistan are already short of water, mnst chalk out a strategy. Following are recommended in this regard:-

Presently the losses occur due to seepage, infiltration, and leakages, etc. seepage results in waterlogging, and these losses can be reduced or eliminated by lining the canals.

In addition, people should be educated to conserve water by cooperation”: Furthermore government should make laws on water conservation, like many western countries.

The second-largest contribution to the total water available comes from groundwater sources. This source has been exploited and very well used by public and private tube wells. It can still provide over nine maf of water. This source can be exploited and judiciously used for irrigation purposes. However in some areas, groundwater is rapidly depleting due to excessive pumpage, authorities should take control in such areas to save them from depleting.

Efforts would be made to convert the present rotation-based irrigation system to a demand-oriented system. The modem irrigation techniques, that is trickling, sprinkling, etc, have the potential to improve water distribution and its utilization.

Authorities should take appropriate steps to curb the illegal extraction of water and ensure its equitable distribution.

Presently irrigation department has failed to stop the illegal theft and extraction; thus irrigation distribution system needs to be privatized through·water user associations.

In addition, water, nowadays is supplied to farmers at a very negligible cost and that is why they do not treat water as a precious resource; therefore there is a need to increase the water prices to make irrigators realize the importance of this asset.

Farmer’s organizations, water user associations, and the private sector must be involved in the construction, operation, and maintenance of i.e irrigation system. Such associations are conceived as a mechanism for creating a cooperative framework for the improvement of watercourses.

The problems faced by the water sector in the country are many, acute and serious and it is also known that we can generate about 83 maf of more water. Therefore, building more reservoirs and an effective management strategy are the needs of the time. Also, implementation of the recommendations will enable the country to ·meet the challenges, and achieve the objectives of integrated, efficient, environmentally and financially sustainable development and management of limited water resources. At the same time, it will enable us to utilize every drop of our water for our bright future.

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Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

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Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

Water crisis in pakistan: manifestation, causes and the way forward  .

Nazam Maqbool   , Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad.

“Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two noble prizes – one for peace and one for science” John F Kennedy[1]

INTRODUCTION

Water scarcity is a frightening situation that is already happening in Pakistan. The country ranks 14 among the 17 ‘extremely high water risk’ countries of the world, a list that includes hot and dry countries like Saudi Arabia.[2] Over 80 percent of the total population in the country faces ‘severe water scarcity’ for at least one month of the year.[3] In addition to surface water, Pakistan’s groundwater resources—the last resort of water supply—are severely overdrawn, mainly to supply water for irrigation. If the situation remains unchanged, the whole country may face ‘water scarcity’ by 2025. The situation is strategically more complicated, as Pakistan is the lower riparian country to India and 78 percent of its water inflows from therein.[4] Moreover, only two-thirds of available water is being utilised while one-third of the water is either lost or discharged into the sea.[5]  

THE MANIFESTATION OF THE WATER CRISIS IN PAKISTAN

The water crisis is a reality in Pakistan as is evident from the following facts.  

2.1.  Water Availability

Over the last few decades, Pakistan has drastically changed from being a water abundant country to a water-stressed country (Figures 1 and 2). With 2.8 percent of the global population, Pakistan accounts for 0.5 percent of global renewable water resources.[6] Worldwide, the country ranks 36 th in total renewable water resources compared to India’s rank at 8th and Bangladesh’s at 12th (2017).[7]  

Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

2.2.  Water Withdrawals

Pakistan ranks 160 th in the ratio of water withdrawals to water resources (in 2017), performing better than 18 countries only (Figure 3). Agriculture is the largest water consumer, accounting for 94 percent of annual water withdrawals followed by households (5.3 percent) and industry (including power generation) (0.8 percent).[8]  

Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

2.3.  Dependence on Single River System

The country’s dependence on a single river system is extremely risky: the Indus river system accounts for 95.8 percent of the total renewable water resources of Pakistan.[9] Moreover, the water originating from outside of Pakistan accounts for over three-fourths (78 percent) of total water resources of the country, making it vulnerable.[10]

____________________ [8] Ibid. [9] Young et al. 2019. [10] FAO 2021.

2.4.  Low Water Productivity

In 2017, Pakistan ranked 8th lowest in the world, generating US$1.4 per cubic meter of water withdrawn. Malaysia ranked 35th (US$55.0/m 3 ), Republic of Korea 37th (US$52.4/m 3 ), China 71st (US$ 21/m 3 ) and Turkey 87th (US$13.6/m 3 ).[11]

2.5.  Overuse of Groundwater

The Indus Basin aquifer has been ranked as the 2nd most over-stressed underground water reserve in the world.[12] The strain on groundwater is very disturbing. Over 60 percent of irrigation, 70 percent of drinking water and 100 percent of the industry in the country depend on it.[13]

2.6.  Drinking Water

Country’s cities are already facing problems of erratic supply of piped water and unsafe and declining levels of groundwater. Only 36 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water (Figure 4).

Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

2.7.  Wastewater Treatment

Over 63 percent of globally produced wastewater is collected, 52 percent is treated (48 percent is released untreated) while 11 percent is reused.[14] With a mere 1 percent treatment of collected wastewater, Pakistan ranks among the countries with the lowest water treatment rate.[15] “Pakistan is wasting its water resources due to inefficient consumption patterns and negligible recycling” , says Dr Tariq Banuri.[16]  

WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF PAKISTAN’S WATER CRISIS?

Pakistan’s water crisis is explained mainly by rapid population growth followed by climate change (floods and droughts), poor agricultural sector water management, inefficient infrastructure and water pollution. This in a result is also aggravating internal tensions between provinces.

3.1.  Rapid Population Growth and Unplanned Urbanisation

The biggest challenge to deteriorating water resources and decreasing per capita water availability in Pakistan is population growth and urbanisation. Between 1972 and 2020, Pakistan’s population increased by 2.6 times, moving it in rank from 9 th to 5 th . Bangladesh’s population increased by 1.5 times (from 66.6 million to 164.7 million) during this time. Total water use in Pakistan increased by about 0.7 percent per year between 1977 and 2017[17]; while total water resources remained static at 246.8 billion cubic meters (BCM), resulting in a decrease in per capita water resources from 3,478 to 1,117 cubic meters per year (table 1). This has resulted in an increase in pressure on water resources, reflected by the ratio of water withdrawals to renewable water resources going up from 62 percent to 82 percent between 1977 and 2017.[18]

Pakistan’s population is projected to increase by over one-half (53 percent), reaching 338 million by 2050. The share of the population living in cities is also projected to increase from 37.2 percent in 2020 to 52.2 percent in 2050.[19] If water efficiency remains the same, the water withdrawal to water resources ratio may exceed 100 percent in coming decades.

_____________________ [11] Ibid. [12] NASA Global Climate Change 2015. [13] Ashraf 2018. [14] Jones et al. 2021. [15] Wendling et al. 2020. [16] Abubakar 2019. [17] FAO 2021 and World Bank 2021. [18] FAO 2021. [19] UN 2021b.

Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

3.2.  Climate Change

Pakistan is among the list of 10 most vulnerable countries of the world to climate change (Figure 5). The country is already facing climate-related threats to water resources as is evident from the change in monsoon patterns, receding glaciers, rising temperatures and recurrence of floods and droughts. Pakistan has witnessed a number of floods in the past several years and long spells of drought. For example, the 2010 floods caused direct losses of more than US$10 billion and 1,600 deaths and affected 38,600 square kilometers.[20] Similarly, Quetta and most parts of Balochistan experienced eight years of a drought-like situation from 1997 to 2005.[21]

Climate change may decline aggregate water flows in the future. In future, most projections show a declining trend and increased variability of the flows (50 to 75 years).[22] The Indus River Basin, Pakistan’s chief water source, being dependent on glacial and snowmelt and precipitation, is highly sensitive to climate change. It has already shrunk into a canal in the Sindh Province where a large number of farmers have migrated to urban areas due to a shortage of water. Given the fact that snow and ice melt runoff currently generates between 50 percent and 80 percent of average water flows in the Indus River basin,[23] this will result in landslides, heavy flooding, dam bursts and soil erosion initially and   drought and famine in the long-run.[24]

Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

3.3.  Poor Water Management

Over 80 percent of the country’s water resources are used by four major crops (rice, wheat, sugarcane and cotton) which contribute only 5 percent to GDP.[25] The productivity of these crops is low in Pakistan compared to other major agricultural economies of the world (Figure 6). Canal water is immensely underpriced, recovering only one-fifth [20 percent in the form of abiana (canal water charges)] of annual operating and maintenance costs, while the collection is 60 percent of total receivables.[26] Though the farm sector accounts for one-fifth of GDP and almost half of the country’s employment, it contributes less than 0.1 percent to total tax revenues, providing little finance for the maintenance of the irrigation system.[27]

The crumbling of water infrastructure contributes to extensive water wastage. The country’s irrigation is one of the most inefficient in the world with an overall efficiency of 39 percent, reflecting aging and poor maintenance of the irrigation system. This means, out of 143 BCM of water available at the canal headworks, only 55 BCM is being used for the farm sector. The rest (61 percent or 87 BCM) of water is lost during conveyance through canals, distributaries, minors and watercourses and during application in the field.[28] Moreover, Pakistan can save only 9 percent of the available water in the Indus River System throughout the year, compared to the global average of 40 percent.[29]

Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

3.4.  Water Pollution

Every year about half of the two million produced wet tons of human excreta go on to pollute water in Pakistan.[30] According to a study, in Pakistan 60 million people are at risk of exposure to high concentrations of arsenic in groundwater on the Indus Plain.[31]

Water-borne diseases are a leading cause of death and suffering in Pakistan. Overall, about 60 percent of people in Pakistan are suffering from one or more of the main diseases associated with inadequate provision of drinking water and improved sanitation.[32] They fill about one-third of hospital beds and account for about 40 percent of all premature deaths in the country.[33] In 2017, 60 thousand people in Pakistan died prematurely due to inadequate water and sanitation facilities: half of them were children under-five.[34] Recently, Pakistan has also seen the emergence and resurgence of diseases like polio, dengue fever, and hepatitis A and E. Diarrhoea alone accounts for 54,000 deaths among children under-five, which means every hour more than five children die as a result of diarrhoea.[35] The economic costs to Pakistan of poor water and sanitation, floods and droughts are estimated to be 4.0 percent of the GDP or about US$ 12 billion per year.[36]

______________________ [25] Young et al. 2019. [26] Young et al. 2019. [27] IMF 2015. [28] Ashraf 2018. [29] UNDP, Pakistan 2016. [30] GOP 2016. [31] Podgorski et al. 2017. [32] GOP 2009. [33] Haydar et al. 2009. [34] IHME 2018. [35] Sahi 2013. [36] Young et al. 2019.

3.4.  Water Policies

In 2018, Pakistan formulated its first-ever National Water Policy. It acknowledges for the first time that water is a finite resource and that Pakistan has to at least recover the costs of the irrigation system. The policy also looks at future impacts of climate change on water, talks about water pricing and mentions the need for regional cooperation challenges. Some provincial-level initiatives also exist such as the Punjab Water Act 2019, the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Policy 2006, Sindh’s Agriculture Policy 2018 and KP’s Drinking Water Policy 2015 and Climate Change Policy 2016. However, there are several shortcomings in these documents such as the absence of a scientific basis, the neglect of water quality issues, the absence of targets, and lack of clear reference to SDGs and gender inclusion. Such gaps need to be addressed during the implementation phase. Also, there is a need for clear timelines, capacity, political will and provision of financial resources.  

3.5.  Water Distribution Issue within Provinces

A growing scarcity of water resources in the country is increasingly becoming a source of conflict among provinces over the distribution of available water. Canal water is distributed among provinces under the 1991 Water Accord: a baseline volume of 144.8 BCF water is divided among the provinces, with about 48 percent going to Punjab, about 42 percent to Sindh, 7 percent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and about 3 percent to Balochistan.[37] A mechanism has been defined for the excess supply of water. However, the accord does not introduce any apportionment for shortages. Lesser quantities of water in various months have caused water conflicts between the upstream province of Punjab and the downstream province of Sindh and between Sindh and Balochistan over the years. Sindh alleges Punjab of water theft while Baluchistan accuses Sindh of not giving its share from Guddu and Sukhar Barrages.  

SOLUTION AND THE WAY FORWARD

Pakistan needs to take a series of measures to address its water crisis.

4.1.  Political Ownership of the Challenge

The entire political leadership and relevant stakeholders need to take ownership of the challenge of Pakistan’s water crisis and declare their intention to address it. “First of all, Pakistan’s leaders and stakeholders need to take ownership of this challenge and declare their intention to tackle it. Simply blaming previous governments, or blaming India, for the crisis won’t solve anything” [38], says Michael Kugelman.

4.2.  Policy, Reforms and Governance

There is a need to fill the vacuum between policies, reforms and their implementation by devising a detailed implementation plan. “We do not have a water crisis; we have a failure of governance with regard to water issues,” says Dr Ishrat Hussain.[39] The government needs to institute a major paradigm shift that promotes the more judicious use of water. This will include water infrastructure maintenance, water conservation technologies and awareness-raising. __________________________ [37] Siddiqui 2021. [38] Baloch 2018. [39] Husain 2017.

4.3.  Recycling of Wastewater

The policy-makers need to rethink water policy by urging recycling of wastewater as is done in Israel and Singapore based on the principle of private sector participation and optimal pricing of water.

Israel, which was water-deficient with 70 percent desert, has achieved water security by treating and reusing around 90 percent of its wastewater, primarily for irrigation, meeting around one-quarter of the country’s demand for water. Similarly, Singapore – another water-scarce country – is meeting 40 percent of its water demand from recycled wastewater which is expected to reach 55 percent by 2060.[40] _________________ [40] The Korea Times 2021.

4.4.  Increase Agricultural Efficiency

It is key to leverage technology for efficient water utilisation, however, it is also crucial to choose the right innovation so it delivers the desired solution that is needed. Farmers can use precision watering rather than flooding their fields. One of the biggest advances in modern agriculture is drip irrigation. Similarly, water-intensive crops as sugar cane and rice may be replaced with lower water demanding crops.

4.5.  Water Metering/Pricing

Another solution is making the metering of water compulsory for all users from domestic, agriculture or industrial units. Once the amount of utilisation is known, it enables better planning and management of the precious resource. The current pricing regime offers little incentive to consumers to conserve water. Pricing may be linked with income levels along with several other dimensions. Increasing the cost of water consumption will not only push consumers to use water more judicially but also generate sufficient revenues for the maintenance of infrastructure and water-conserving technologies.  

Abubakar, S. M. 2019. “How Pakistan Wastes its Water.” Dawn , 12 March. Ali, A. 2013. Indus Basin Floods: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Management . The Philippines: Asian Development Bank. Ashraf, M. 2018. “Water Scarcity in Pakistan: Issues and Options.” http://pcrwr.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Water-Scarcity-in-Pakistan-Issues-and-Options-May-18.pdf. Baloch, S.M. 2018. “Water Crisis: Why is Pakistan Running Dry?” DW.COM , 7 June. Bhutto, F. 2020. “Pakistan’s Most Terrifying Adversary is Climate Change.” The New York Times , 29 September. Biswas, A.K., C. Tortajada and P. Rohner. 2018. Assessing Global Water Megatrends . Singapore: Springer Nature Pte Ltd. Eckstein, D., V. Kunzel and L. Schafer. 2021. Global Climate Risk Index 2021 . Bonn: Germanwatch. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations). 2021. AQUASTAT. https://www.fao.org/aquastat. GOP (Government of Pakistan). 2009. Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP)-II . Islamabad: Ministry of Finance. ———–. 2016. Economic Survey of Pakistan 2015-16 . Islamabad: Ministry of Finance. ———–. 2019. Capacity Audit of WAPDA, IRSA, PCRWR & Reorganisation and Strengthening of Ministry of Water Resources . Islamabad: Management Services Wing, Establishment Division, Government of Pakistan. Haydar, S., M. Arshad and J.A. Aziz. 2009. “Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality in Urban Areas of Pakistan: A Case Study of Southern Lahore.” Pakistan Journal of Engineering and Applied Science 5: 16-23. Husain, B. 2017. “Water Crisis Attributed to Failure of Governance.” Express Tribune , 22 November. IHME (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation). 2018. Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 . Seattle, United States: IHME. IMF (International Monetary Fund). 2015. Issues in Managing Water Challenges and Policy Instruments: Regional Perspectives and Case Studies . Washington, DC: IMF. Jones, E.R., M.T.H. van Vliet, M. Qadir and M.F.P. Bierkens. 2021. “Country-level and Gridded Estimates of Wastewater Production, Collection, Treatment and Reuse.” Earth Syst. Sci. Data 13 (2): 237-54. Khan, S. 2017. “How Climate Change is Exacerbating Pakistan’s Water Crisis.” DW.COM , 9 November. Mekonnan, M., and A. Hoekstra. 2016. “Four Billion People Facing Water Scarcity”. Science Advances 2 (2). NASA Global Climate Change. 2015. “Study: Third of Big Groundwater Basins in Distress.” https://www.nasa.gov/jpl/grace/study-third-of-big-groundwater-basins-in-distress. Podgorski, J.E., S.A.M.A.S. Eqani, T. Khanam, R. Ullah, H. Shen and M. Berg. 2017. “Extensive Arsenic Contamination in High-pH Unconfined Aquifers in the Indus Valley.” Science Advances 3 (8). Sahi, A. 2013. “Environment: A Dirty Job.” The News , 27 October. Shah, S. A. 2016. “Water Crisis: Going Dry”. Dawn , 6 March. Siddiqui, T. 2021. Sindh Rejects Plan to Revisit 1991 Water Accord. Dawn , 12 October. The Korea Times . 2021. “Resource-Starved Singapore Turns Sewage into Ultra-Clean Water.” 13 August. UN (United Nations). 2021a. “SDG Indicators Database.” https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/unsdg. ———–. 2021b. “World Urbanisation Prospects 2018.” https://population.un.org. UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), Pakistan. 2016. Development Advocate Pakistan: Water Security in Pakistan: Issues and Challenges 3 (4): 22-25. Islamabad: UNDP, Pakistan. Wendling, Z.A., J.W. Emerson, D.C. Esty, M.A. Levy and A. de Sherbinin. 2020. 2020 Environmental Performance Index . New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. World Bank. 2021. WDI Online Database. databank.worldbank.org. WRI (World Resource Institute). 2021. “Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas.” https://www.wri.org/data . Young, W. J., A. Anwar, T. Bhatti, E. Borgomeo, S. Davies, W. R. Garthwaite III, E. M. Gilmont, C. Leb, L. Lytton, I. Makin, and B. Saeed. 2019. Pakistan: Getting More from Water . Washington, D.C.: World Bank. Yu, W., Y. C. Yang, A. Savitsky, D. Alford, C. Brown, J. Wescoat and D. Debowicz. 2013.  The Indus Basin of Pakistan: The Impacts of Climate Risks on Water and Agriculture.  Washington, D.C.: World Bank.

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Essay on Water Crisis or Water Shortage in Pakistan with Outline

Essay on water crisis | water shortage in pakistan essay with outline for matric, intermediate, 2nd year, fa, fsc, ba and bsc.

Here is an essay on Water shortage in Pakistan with Outline for the students of Class 10, Class 12 and graduation. In this essay on the water crisis, we will discuss the importance of water in our daily life and how people are misusing it in our country. The source to get water, problems of people of interior Sindh and Balochistan, as well as Indian basin treaty, will also be discussed in Water Crisis Essay.

Essay on Water Shortage in Pakistan | Water Crisis in Pakistan Essay with Outline for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation

  • Uses and importance of water in the life of a common man
  • How people in Pakistan are ill-using this blessing
  • People of interior Sind, and Balochistan bring water from a long distance for their daily use
  • Source of getting water
  • Indian Basin Treaty between Pakistan and India to built dams
  • Suggestions to overcome water crisis
  • Importance of Kala Bagh Dam

Water is a great endowment and blessing of God to man. Without water, life in this world is impossible. Water gives life and energy to everything. It is essential for the life and survival of human beings birds, beasts, plants and trees. It is the main source of energy and power. We use it for cooking our food and quenching our thirst. It is used for washing our clothes and bathing our body. It is the main source of irrigating our fields. Without it, we cannot conceive of life on earth.

Unfortunately, this great gift and blessing of God has been wasted and ill-used by the people of Pakistan. We have never paid any attention to preserve and save this great treasure of Nature. There are many areas in Pakistan where people do not get water for drinking purpose. In the interior Sind, and Balochistan, there are many towns and villages where people have to carry water from as far as thirty or forty kilometres away from their homes. The Women, children and old men have to undertake the long journey to carry water for their daily use. This is a very sad spectacle. The sources of getting water are very few and limited. Water is present in the subsoil of the earth. It Is brought to earth by the operation of tube wells and electric motors. The other source of water is the rivers, lakes and streams. Water comes into rivers and streams by the melting of massive and glaciers.

This source of getting water is quite doubtful and uncertain. Sometimes, the summer season begins late and these icebergs and glaciers are not melted in time. Consequently,0 the rivers and lakes become dry and barren. The country falls a victim to the shortage of water.

In 1960, a treaty between Pakistan and India was signed with World Bank meditation. The treaty is known as the “Indian Basin Treaty”. According to it, the control of waters of Ravi, Bias and Sutlag was given to India. It was decided that the Indian Govt. would help Pakistan in the construction of two large dams on the Indus and the Jhelum. But this was never fulfilled. Indian Govt. often stopped the flow of water in our rivers when it liked, out of sheer enmity.

The only way to overcome water crisis is to build dams on the river banks. The earliest dams were built to store water for domestic and agriculture. Hydropower became a major reason to build dams.

The construction of Kalabagh Dam is the need of the time. If it is not built in time, our country is going to face severe starvation and famine. Essay on Water Crisis or Water shortage in Pakistan , previously in Exams – P.U. 2000 B.Sc . However, you should look at Essay on Load Shedding with outline as well.

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CSS ESSAYS

Water Crisis in Pakistan!

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Water is essential to life on Earth, yet our planet is suffering a serious water crisis. Water scarcity has become an international crisis affecting millions of people around the globe and contributing to climate change, urbanization and unsustainable water management practices – including Pakistan. Amid all this turmoil is Pakistan where its own unique water crisis exists.

Rapidly rising global population:

One of the main factors contributing to our current water crisis is an ever-increasing global population . As this figure rises, so too does demand for water, needed for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and agriculture purposes. With growing populations comes increasing demands on already limited freshwater resources resulting in water scarcity across many regions.

Climate change: Another significant contributor to the water crisis, climate change has altered weather patterns with less predictable rainfall patterns and an increase in droughts and floods, further diminishing availability of water in dry and semi-arid regions with limited resources.

Urbanization and industrialization:

Water consumption by humans has also contributed significantly to the global water crisis. As more people move to cities, their demand for water increases, straining resources. Furthermore, industrial activities require large volumes of freshwater which results in overuse and depletion of freshwater sources.

Unsustainable water management strategies:

Over-extraction of groundwater, pollution of water sources. And ineffective irrigation techniques all play a part in creating the current water crisis. Such practices depleted freshwater reserves making it more challenging to meet growing demands for freshwater supplies.

Access to Clean Water is limited:

The water crisis has severe repercussions for human health, agriculture and the environment. Due to limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid and dysentery spread quickly through populations without access. Furthermore, agriculture – an industry which heavily consumes water resources – is particularly hard hit. Crops fail to flourish which create food shortages while farmers struggle for survival in an unforgiving landscape.

The water crisis also has environmental ramifications:

Depletion of freshwater resources leads to degradation of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity. While impacting their functioning rivers, lakes, and wetlands that provide essential ecological services. Such as purifying drinking water supplies, controlling flood waters, providing flood control measures, or serving as habitat for aquatic species.

To address the water crisis:

There is an urgent need for a coordinated and integrated response. That takes into account all the contributing factors of this problem, including promoting water conservation and efficiency. Investing in infrastructure projects that facilitate sustainable management practices, adopting sustainable water management practices, and encouraging renewable energy sources. This may require measures such as increasing conservation efforts, investing in infrastructure investments, adopting sustainable water management practices and encouraging renewable energy production to address this complex situation.

Water conservation and efficiency measures:

Environmental water conservation involves both minimizing wastage and optimizing its use, through measures such as fixing leaky pipes, using more efficient appliances, and encouraging water-saving behavior. Investment in infrastructure such as dams, canals, or reservoirs may provide storage and distribution solutions in times of drought.

Sustainable water management practices:

At its core, water management involves balancing demand and supply, protecting sources from pollution, and encouraging more water-efficient irrigation techniques. Renewable energy sources like solar or wind power may help decrease carbon footprint of water supply systems.

Water crisis is an international challenge:

The water crisis is an impending global threat that requires immediate attention. It stems from multiple factors including population growth, climate change, urbanization and unsustainable water management practices. Addressing the water crisis requires a multidisciplinary and holistic strategy including conservation/efficiency initiatives, infrastructure investments and renewable energy promotion; only together can we overcome it and ensure its sustainable future for all.

Pakistan: Water crisis and Pakistan

Pakistan is among the countries most affected by the water crisis. Being predominantly arid and semi-arid with limited water resources. And with population growth fuelling increased demand for water sources; climate change resulting in unpredictable rainfall leading to droughts and floods only compounding this situation further.

Agriculture Sector in Pakistan: The agriculture sector accounts for over 90 per cent of total water usage. Unfortunately, inefficient irrigation techniques such as flood irrigation have resulted in significant wastage of water resources. And have resulted in the depletion of aquifers leading to decreased availability.

Implications of water crisis:

Pakistan’s water crisis has had far-reaching repercussions for human health, agriculture and the environment. A lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities has resulted in waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid and dysentery sweeping through. Water scarcity also threatens agriculture which relies heavily on freshwater supplies. Leading to crop failures and food shortages while depletion of freshwater sources has degraded ecosystems and reduced biodiversity levels significantly.

How can Pakistan address its water shortage issue?

There is an urgent need for an integrated approach that encompasses water conservation and efficiency initiatives, investing in infrastructure development projects, adopting sustainable water management practices and encouraging renewable energy sources.

Promoting water conservation and efficiency measures, such as using efficient irrigation techniques, can reduce water waste. Investing in infrastructure such as dams, canals, and reservoirs can aid with water storage and distribution during periods of drought. Adopting sustainable management practices such as groundwater recharge can replenish aquifers to ensure sustainable usage of groundwater resources while encouraging renewable energy sources such as solar-powered pumps can help lower carbon footprint of supply systems.

Pakistan has taken several measures to address its water crisis:

Such as the National Water Policy of 2018 which seeks to ensure sustainable use of water resources. Furthermore, the government has initiated various water management projects, such as building the Diamer-Bhasha dam which increases storage capacity while simultaneously increasing hydropower generation capacity.

Urgent action must be taken immediately to combat Pakistan’s water crisis:

Pakistan faces a critical water crisis that requires urgent action from all levels of government. This issue stems from multiple factors, including population growth, climate change and unsustainable water management practices. Addressing it effectively will require taking multiple approaches such as conserving and efficiently using water resources; investing in infrastructure; adopting sustainable management practices and using renewable energy sources for renewable power production; prioritizing water issues to secure sustainable future for all Pakistanis.

Impact of Pakistan’s Water crisis:

Pakistan’s current water crisis has had serious repercussions, which include:

Agriculture: Pakistan’s economy relies heavily on its agriculture sector for food security and rising prices, yet due to the water crisis this sector has been severely hit. Crop failures and reduced yields have caused food insecurity as prices skyrocket.

Human Health: Lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities has caused an outbreak of water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery – making their prevalence an important public health risk.

Environment: Toxic chemicals from agricultural runoff have polluted freshwater resources and degraded ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and reduced ecosystem services.

Energy: Pakistan’s energy sector relies heavily on hydropower generation, but has been seriously compromised by the water crisis. Less water availability has resulted in reduced hydropower generation leading to power shortages and an increase reliance on fossil fuels for generation of power.

Socio-Economic: The water crisis has contributed to increased poverty, inequality and social unrest – particularly in rural areas where agriculture provides primary employment. Competition over water resources has caused conflict which subsequently escalates social tensions further.

Overall, Pakistan’s water crisis has had an immense negative effect on socio-economic development, public health, and the environment. Addressing it requires prompt action and a comprehensive strategy encompassing water conservation/efficiency promotion/investing in infrastructure/sustainable water management practices/promote renewable energy sources/ etc.

Conclusion: mes The global water crisis affects many countries, including Pakistan. Pakistan stands out in this respect due to its arid and semi-arid climate as well as rapidly growing population. Pakistan is facing a water crisis with devastating impacts for agriculture, human health, the environment, energy consumption and socio-economic development – urgent action are required immediately to mitigate them. Addressing Pakistan’s water crisis requires taking an integrative approach that encompasses conservation and efficiency measures, investing in infrastructure improvements, adopting sustainable management practices and encouraging renewable energy use. While the government of Pakistan has made steps towards solving its crisis, more needs to be done as an international community if we hope for a brighter future for all.

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CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences

CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences

CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences

Essay Outline | Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences

1. Introduction

– Water crisis – number one global risk based upon its impact on society (World Economic forum 2015). – Water Scarcity – a nightmare scenario for Pakistan, despite it having the world’s largest glaciers. – Pakistan being a single basin country is facing challenges of water scarcity. – Pakistan among the 36 most water stressed countries.

2. Overview of the Current Situation of water crisis in Pakistan.

2.1 IMF report throwing light on the severity of Pakistan’s water crisis. (a) Pakistan has the world’s 4th highest rate of water use. (b) Pakistan is the 3rd water stressed country in the world. (c) The aquifer in the Indus basin is the 2nd most stressed in the world.

3. Water Vision 2025.

(3.1) In 2009, the Running on Empty study projected that Pakistan’s water shortfall could be 5 times the amount of water stored in Indus reservoirs.

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4. Causes of water crisis in Pakistan. International causes ‘Water terrorism by India’.

(a) Violation of Indus water Treaty by India. (i) Construction of Wullar barrage on River Jhelum. (ii) Construction of Buglihar Dam on River Chenab. (iii) Kishanganga project on river Neelam. (b) China’s mega water diversion scheme and its impact on the flow of river Indus and Satluj.National Causes. (a) Delay in the construction of dams and water reservoirs (Pakistan’s total dam storage is 30 days of average demand whereas the figure is 220 days for India. (i) Kalabagh Dam – a controversial issue.

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(b) Rapid population growth and urbanization (i) Country is among the world’s top 6 most popular states and as per the UN report, projected to have a population of 300 million by 2050 causing a threat to sustainability of water resources. (c) Financial constraints (d) Inefficient water policy making and lock of proper management of water resources by the government. (i) Agricultural sector is untaxed and more than 90 pc of Pakistan’s water resources are allocated to that sector. (ii) Unavailability of safe drinking water to the entire population. (iii) Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma reservoirs have lost about 5 million acre-feet due to sedimentation. (iv) An estimated 40% of water that run through canals is lost because of seepage. (4.3) Natural causes (i) Increase in the global warming and melting of glaciers. (a) On average, glaciers currently lose between 50 to 150 cm of thickness every year that is 2 to 3 times more than the average of the 20th century.

5. Consequences of Water Crisis. Global Impacts.

(a) Threat of nuclear war between India and Pakistan on the water issue. i.e; India uses water as weapon against Pakistan in IWT agreement conflict in 2016. Impacts. (a) Water wars among provinces (Escalating tensions between Punjab and Sindh ). (b) Severe episodes of droughts leading to the devastation of agriculture. (i) Water logging and salinity is increasing as a result of installing more and more tube wells in order to overcome the shortage of dams. (c) Loss of habitat and devastation of tourism industry leading toward unemployment and Economy. (d) Sewerage disposal issue resulting in pollution (e) Lesser availability of clean drinking water (arsenic poisoning) (f) Importation of water at high rates.

6. Water management strategies International Level

(a) Pakistan should take the issue to International court of Justice in order to urge India not to make dams on Western rivers. At National Level

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(a) Construction of dams and improvement of existing canal system. (i) Construction of Kalabagh Dam [It will create a reservoir with usable storage capacity of 6.1 MAF]. (ii) Raising Mangla Dam , Gomal Dam, Satpara dam , and Sabakzai Dam should be the top priority. (iii) Canlas should be cemented in order to stop the seepage of water. (iv) Creation of Think tank (planning commission, HEC, universities, PEC) for water Resources Development and Management. (b) Water pricing reforms tariff reform is critical to ensure sustainable water use as canal water is heavily underpriced. (c) Bringing the agriculture within the tax net. (i) Agriculture in Pakistan is largely untaxed more than 90% of Pakistan’s water resources are allocated to this sector. (d) Sufficient and sincere political will is required to implement water pricing reforms. (e) Nationwide campaign to raise awareness. (i) Regarding less water intensive crop production exp drip irrigation system should be adopted. (ii) Optimum crop rotation should be encouraged.

7. Conclusion

– Public consensus on national issue to defeat the nefarious aims of enemies. – Provinces should reform the agriculture taxation system in the context of NFC award in order to entrance the political interest of powerful land owners. – Control of excessive groundwater exploitation is imperative.

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CSS Essay | Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences

Water is the most precious natural resource in the world. Without it there would be no life

Downloaded from www.csstimes.pk | 3 CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences on earth. Unfortunately, water is becoming scarce and there are various factors leading to this scarcity. According to a report of world economic forum, water crisis is the number of one global risk based upon the devastation it is likely to create. Particularly in Pakistan the situation is alarming as Pakistan, though, bestowed with the world’s largest glacial resources is facing the prospect of water crisis. The expected demand and supply imbalance is creating challenges on the domestic, agricultural and industrial level as Pakistan’s water availability is heavily relied upon Indus Basin.

Water crisis is a nightmare scenario, that is all too real but inevitable for Pakistan. According to a recent IMF report, Pakistan is among the 36 most water stressed countries in the world. It has the world’s 4th highest rate of water use. Its water intensity rate measured as per unit of GDP is the world’s highest. Pakistan is also the 3rd most water stressed country in the world. According to New Nasa Satellite data of world’s underground aquifers, The aquifer in the Indus basin is the second most stressed in the world. In 2009, The Running of Empty study projected that by 2050. Pakistan’s water shortfall would be 5 times the amount of water that could be stored in the Indus river’s vast reservoir. Federal Minister of Water and Power, Khuwaja Asif has also warned that scarcity of water is another issue looming on Pakistan.

Water terrorism on the part of India is a major reason of Pakistan’s water crisis. India has constructed two hydro electric projects on river Neelam and called Kishanganga in Indian dialect. The Baglihar dam on Chenab permits the agreed quota of water flow to Pakistan despite Pakistan sought the help of World Bank to stop its construction. Wullar barrage has been constructed at the mouth of Wullar lake on river Jhelum. Pakistan believes that the construction of dams could be used as a geostrategic weapon as India can control the flow of Rivers. Moreover, Indian project on Wullar lake also has the potential of disrupting the triple canal Lover Bari Doab Canal. Further, China’s Mega Water Diversion scheme is also a source of concern for Pakistan as it could stop the flaw of water to river Indus and Satluj which is a tributary of Indus River.

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Delay in the construction of dams and reservoirs are also creating a threat to the amount of water available for household consumption and for agricultural and industrial use. Pakistan’s total dam capacity is 30 days of the average demand whereas the figure is 1000 days for Egypt and 220 days for India. Construction of Kalabagh dam has been delayed and the reason for its delay is the bitter controversy among the four provinces. The only province in favor of its construction is Punjab. When completed, the dam would create a

Downloaded from www.csstimes.pk | 4 CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences reservoir with usable storage capacity of 6.1 Million acre-feet (MAF). Moreover, despite the two ground-breaking ceremonies of Diamer-Bhasha dam by the successive governments, developmental work on the life saving project could not be started. Financial constraints accompanied with the lack of resources, infrastructure and political will among the leaders are some key factors which do not let the construction of dams, barrages and reservoirs in Pakistan.

Rapidly growing population along with urbanization are also some significant factors leading towards water scarcity. Pakistan is among the world’s top 6 most populous states as per the UN report, and is projected to have a population of about 300 million by the end of 2050 which has threatened the sustainability of water resources. The rapid increase in population is leading toward escalated demand of water and food resources and leading toward the depletion of natural resources.

Weak administration and poor water management are also causing water scarcity. It is the lack of effective policy making on the part of government that agriculture sector in Pakistan is largely untaxed. And more than 90% of Pakistan’s water resources are allocated to this sector. Moreover, traditional and antiquated agriculture techniques are leading towards 50 to 60% loss of water. Water intensive crops like rice and sugarcane are being cultivated without taking into account the optimum crop rotation. This inefficient water distribution is creating water shortages and has forced people to use unhygienic water for daily consumption.

The gradual loss in saving capacities of the existing reservoirs is also contributing to water scarcity. Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma reservoirs have lost about 5 million acre-feet, that is, 2.5% of their water saving capacity due to heavy sedimentation carried by the rivers. The canal beds are either unlined or poorly lined and 40 % of water that runs through canals is lost because of seepage. Increase in the global warming is a major reason of melting of glaciers. On average, glaciers currently lose between 50 to 150 cm thickness every year. Pakistan is sandwiched between China and India, the first and third largest emitters of carbon de oxide gas Co2 respectively. Glaciers are a major source of water supply for Pakistan, however, according to a study glaciers in Pakistan are melting continuously because of rising temperature and. By the year 2050, the country will no longer posses water reserves in the form of glaciers.

Water terrorism on the part of India is posing the threat of a nuclear war between the two rivals. Border between India and Pakistan is considered the most stressed border in the world. Any war between these two rivals is going to have negative repercussions on not only the south Asian region but also on the entire Asian continent. Hence, the water issue

Downloaded from www.csstimes.pk | 5 CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences between the two neighbors has the potential to bring the entire region to the brink of major disaster, that is, the possibility of a nuclear war.

The short term implications of water crisis are already visible as tensions are escalating among provinces. The level of distrust, pertaining to the distribution of water, is increasing between Punjab and Sindh. Open Chashma-Jehlum canal to meet Punjab’s requirement has created tensions between the provinces in the past. Dispute could be resolved if the provinces show enough maturity in resolving the dispute amicably as they have done previously in resolving the dispute on National Fiancé Commission (NFC) award.

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Water shortage is also contributing to an increase in water logging and salinity. Reduction in the dam storage capacity is leading toward lesser per-acre water availability. To cope with this problem farmers are installing more and more tube wells. That is why salinity has become a major issue in most parts of Punjab and Sindh. Sindh contributes significantly in the production of cash crops including cotton and rice, however, scarcity of water is adversely affecting the production and exports of these crops. Water tables are dropping drastically and the resultant pumping of water to meet increased water demands is increasing the cases of arsenic poisoning. Lesser availability of clean drinking water is giving birth to many parasitic diseases and deadly viruses such as dengue. Water reduction is also creating problems in sewerage disposal and hence increasing pollution and temperature.

Pakistani government has to take significant measures to cope with the looming threat of water crisis. Arbitration, reconciliation and dialogue are the best options to resolve the issue of water between the two neighbors. Although water commissioner level talks between India and Pakistan have failed during August last year as India did not budge on its design of Kishanganga dam and also refused to halt the construction of river Chenab. However, a fresh round of talks should be held and both neighbors should understand that nuclear war is not the solution of their problems.

At the national level, construction of new dams is vital to meet the constantly increasing water demand. Construction of Kalabagh dam is imperative as it will create a reservoir with useable storage of 6.1 million nacre-feet. Government should also its divert its attention toward the rapid construction of Daimer- Bhasha Dam, which when constructed would be able to store 8 MAF of water. Construction of such larger reservoirs is imperative to maintain the cultivation of water intensive crops in the fertile lands of Sindh and Punjab Raising the structure of Mangla dam, Gomal dam, Satpara dam and Sabakzai dam should be

Downloaded from www.csstimes.pk | 6 CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN – Causes and Consequences the top priority of the government. Capacity building and improvement of existing canal system is necessary as 40% of water that runs through canals is lost because of seepage of water.

Government should create a think tank including planning commission, Higher Education Commission, (HEC) and universities in order to improve water resource development and management Water prancing reforms should be introduced to ensure sustainable water use as canal water is heavily underpriced. Agriculture in Pakistan is predominantly irrigated (90 percent) and consumes about 95 percent of annually available surface water. Bringing the agriculture sector within the tax net will bring sufficient funds to build new dams and will help improving supply to the water stressed areas of Pakistan. Nationwide campaigns should be conducted to raise the importance of water saving by growing less water intensive crops and by encouraging optimum crop rotation.

Water is an engine to economic growth in Pakistan. The country has the necessary natural endowment and is blessed with the world’s most extensive irrigation system. What basically required is the public consensus to defeat the nefarious aims of the enemies. Provinces should reform the system of agricultural taxation to entrench the political interests of powerful landowners. Control of excessive ground water exploitation is also imperative in dealing with the looming threat of water crisis in Pakistan.

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Water is one of the precious natural resources in the world. It has a great significance for both living and non-living things. Unfortunately, it is becoming a hot potato among countries due to its scarcity. Particularly in Pakistan, the situation is quite alarming. Although Almighty Allah has blessed it teeming with abundant resources but when it comes to water, due to couple of reasons, Pakistan has fallen into the abyss of severe water crises. According to World Bank report, availability of water in Pakistan was 5000 cubic meters per capita in 1950 but now it has been dreadfully fallen to merely 1490 cubic meters per capita. There are several reasons which have caused such downfall – the violation of Indus basin water treaty by since 1980 when she started making dams on three western rivers namely Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. India’s nefarious steps against Pakistan have proved a death-nail for Pakistan. Moreover, in 1947, the matter of utilisation of water resources of Indus basin was raised by Pakistan and the boundary common, chaired by Sir Radcliff awarded control barrages to India, while 90 percent of irrigated land lay in Pakistan. Notwithstanding, the misery does not end here because lack of poor management by government, unrest among provinces claiming right on quota of water and inefficient role of IRSA, lack of dams especially the issue of Kalabagh dam, wastage of water its seepage coupled with its lack of importance among people and also absence of a system of affluent disposal on barrages and canals in Punjab and Sindh being the challenge of IBIS-Pakistan have further triggered the water crises. The rapid change in climate followed by global warming also adds fuel in its scarcity.
Now the impacts have arisen to an alarming situation because there is a threat of war between Pakistan and India on water. If water crises prevail, it would be fierce blow to agriculture sector of Pakistan in the result of its devastation and it will lead to an immense loss of economy because agriculture is a backbone of the country and it contributes about 24 percent of its GDP and 70 percent of exports are also dependent on this sector. The scarcity of water will also cause unrest among people and Pakistan would be bound to purchase it from foreign countries.
To efficiently manage such glooming crises of water, it is the dire need of the hour Pakistan should involve SAARC and UN to urge India not to make new dams on rivers having exclusive right as per Indus basin Treaty and stop making work on Wullar, baglihair, Kishanganga and Uri II project. The National Development Economic Programme 2005-10 started by ex-Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani to constructe new dams by 2016 was indeed a great step. The improvement of dams, preservation of ground, and especially construction of Kalabagh dam would be very beneficial. The raising of Mangla dam by 40 feet and construction of Thal reservoir, Bhasha dam and Gomal dam are such worth taking measures that can efficient manage the prevailing water crises.
The proper utilisation of water by irrigation, power generation, drinking and industry should be practiced. It’s quite evident that people waste water due to its low monetary value. The government should increase its price so that people use it carefully. Nevertheless, a nationwide campaign and headed by government with the help of media to let people aware of the importance of water, its present crises and ways to manage would be and effective measure to get the country out of water crises.


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Water Crisis In Pakistan - Essay with Outline

Helpful resources:.

  • https://nation.com.pk/11-Dec-2017/water-scarcity-in-pakistan-causes-effects-and-solutions
  • https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/326969-water-crisis-why-is-pakistan-running-dry
  • https://pakobserver.net/water-crisis-in-pak-its-solutions/

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Pakistan Withers Under Deadly Heat and Fears the Coming Rains

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, endured days of temperatures above 100 Fahrenheit, made worse by power cuts and high humidity.

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By Zia ur-Rehman

Reporting from Karachi

In nearly every corner of Karachi, there are signs of the heat wave scorching the sun-baked city.

Hundreds of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses pour into the hospitals every day, pushing them far past their capacity. Morgues overwhelmed by a surge in bodies are struggling to find space.

Frustrated residents have begun blocking roads with stones and sticks to protest shortages of electricity and drinking water. Even the usually bustling markets and streets have emptied as people avoid leaving their homes unless they must.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and its economic hub, is the latest place to suffer as South Asia roasts under a blistering heat wave this summer, a brutal reminder of the deadly toll of climate change in a part of the world especially vulnerable to its effects, and in a country where ineffective governance and large economic disparities have magnified the sufferings of its poorest citizens.

In a particularly dire eight-day stretch late last month, temperatures reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), with high humidity adding to the misery. That was the hottest since 2015, a year when officials reported that more than 1,200 people died from heat-related causes in Karachi.

With temperatures still hovering near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the sense of crisis has persisted.

“It feels like living in a furnace,” said Akbar Ali, 52, a rickshaw driver who has transported many heat-struck people to the hospital in recent weeks. “It’s terrible seeing people collapse on the street.”

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By the river: youth homelessness in Tasmania

A young couple pose, the man has his arm around the woman's waist

Young people aged 12–24 make up a quarter of Tasmania's growing homeless population. Chloe Hume and Trent Kiely are two of them.

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The banks of the Tamar River, flowing through Launceston in Tasmania, are lush and green.

On one side sits Trevallyn, a hilltop suburb with some of Launceston's most beautiful views and houses dating back to the late 1800s.

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On the opposite side, a cluster of homeless people sleeping in cars and caravans have taken over a stretch of land near a $25-million redevelopment, the Silo Hotel.

A young couple walk uphill on grass with their dog, their caravan is in the background

One of the caravans has been home to 20-year-old Chloe, 23-year-old Trent, their cat Dexter and dog Rocky since May last year.

It might seem like a rough way to live, but for Chloe and Trent, it's the most stability they've had in a long time.

"It's our healing chapter," Chloe says.

"Our whole lives, both of us have been through hell and back pretty much, both in our own ways," she says.

"And now it's just really recovering so we can have a good rest of our life and just be happy. We're going to take it easy and get our mental health better.

"This is our paradise."

A young woman holds up a dog and gives it a kiss as a young man looks on.

Last year, Chloe and Trent became homeless when their rental was sold. The couple found themselves priced out of the rental market with nowhere else to go.

Trent is recovering from a motorbike accident, still needing surgery to walk properly.

Chloe, who grew up in and out of foster care, had become homeless when she ran away from a group home as a teenager.

A young woman wearing converse, slacks and a tank top sits down on a road with her dog.

"If no one wants you, you just get put into a home with lots of other kids that no one wants.

"I really hated it."

Finding the caravan meant Chloe and Trent could finally have their own space after being rejected for multiple rental units, a chance to get back on their feet.

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The only support they can lean on is Trent's family, where help is exchanged back and forward between parents, children and siblings.

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"I like my life now," she says.

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"[Trent] is the only person I've ever felt comfortable around. I've never really felt like I could be myself with anyone."

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"The most unstable part of living here. Isn't that funny," Chloe says.

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That anxiety was at its peak during the cold and rainy Tasmanian winter.

"Every time it was pouring down, cloudy, it was like, 'it's getting higher, I don't want it'. Oh, my heart was sinking a lot," Chloe says.

Because Chloe and Trent have had no luck with rental applications, they decided to focus on making the caravan as much of a home as possible.

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At first, they had no way to store food and had to carry water to the caravan in buckets.

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Before having their own washing machine, the pair had to haul their clothes to the laundromat in taxis, and sometimes the cab would drive off on them.

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A young woman turns on a water tap on a wall.

Chloe feels there is a stigma attached to homelessness and people assume most homeless people must have substance abuse issues.

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"We don't necessarily want to live in a caravan or next to a river, but this is what we have.

A young man and woman walking past a caravan, the picture is focused on the river landscape behind them.

"It sucks because people probably think we're just, like everyone else, junkies or something, you know?

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"It makes it hard, because people don't want to reach out. They're probably too scared.

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Words: Nelli Saarinen and Abigail Varney

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Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay 2023

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By Arbaz Javed

Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay

Water is life. But in Pakistan, we are facing water crises in Pakistan. Water is the source of life and is necessary for the survival of all living things on Earth. Unfortunately, Pakistan is experiencing a major water shortage, which threatens our future. So, in this essay, we will look at the causes, effects, and potential solutions to the water crisis in Pakistan.

The water shortage is a big problem. It affects our daily life, farming, the economy, and the environment. Farmers are unable to provide water to their fields, resulting in a decrease in agricultural output.

Many industries have had to shut down because of insufficient water supply. This crisis directly impacts the lives of citizens and the economic growth of the country. Due to some reasons, most cities and villages across Pakistan face water shortages. Without wasting time, we start an essay on the water crisis in Pakistan.

Table of Contents

Causes For The Water Crisis In Pakistan

Water is essential for life. But Pakistan is facing a serious water shortage, known as the water crisis. In this essay, I will explain point by point reasons of the water crisis in Pakistan.

Increasing Population

Pakistan’s population has increased significantly over the years. Currently, over 222 million people live in Pakistan. A larger population increases the need for more water. This includes water for homes, farming, and industries. However, the supply of water from rivers and groundwater is decreasing.

The growing imbalance between supply and demand is worsening the water situation. With population growth expected to continue, the situation looks alarming if more water is not made available.

Indus River system

First of all, Pakistan relies heavily on the Indus River system for its water supply. This includes the Indus River itself and its rivers like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The flow of water in these rivers is decreasing over time.

Secondly, climate change is producing a decrease in rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayan peaks, which are the source of many key rivers. As a result, the level of water in these rivers is decreasing, particularly during critical dry months.

Water Management

Water waste is a major issue. Because of outdated, broken pipelines throughout cities, a lot of pure water is wasted before it reaches houses. It is believed that leaks in the water distribution system waste up to 50% of the water. 

People waste water at home owing to a lack of awareness. Similarly, traditional farming methods such as flood irrigation waste water when drip or spray irrigation is used. Water is also wasted in industrial processes. Minimizing waste can help to relieve demand on the available water supply.

Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay

Water Pollution

Water contamination reduces the utility of available water. In rivers and lakes, sewage and industrial garbage are discharged. This pollutes both surface and groundwater. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides pollutes groundwater as well. 

When water becomes excessively polluted, it cannot be properly cleaned to be used for drinking, agriculture, or industrial purposes. More water treatment plants and a reduction in pollutants can help solve the issue.

Impacts of Water Crisis in Pakistan On The People, Economy, And Environment

Pakistan’s citizens are suffering as a result of the country’s water issue. Due to a lack of water in most places, residents must wait in huge lines for hours to collect water from tankers. The public is suffering from diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis as a result of the poor quality of drinking water. 

Women and children must go considerable distances to obtain water for their daily requirements. People are fighting and protesting as they seek pure water for their fundamental necessities.

The water crisis significantly impacted Pakistan’s agricultural sector, as approximately 90% of the country’s water is necessary for agriculture. Many farmers are unable to cultivate their lands effectively due to a lack of water. Crop yields have decreased, resulting in shortages of food and rising food prices.

Industries, which account for an important part of Pakistan’s economy, are also unable to obtain the necessary amount of water for their operations. Due to the shortage of water, some factories have closed or are producing less. As a result, unemployment is rising.

Environment

The environment is getting worse as water bodies dry up and groundwater reduces rapidly. Reduced river flows endanger meadows and trees. Untreated sewage and industrial effluents infiltrate streams, causing water contamination. This polluted water significantly lowers the available quantity of drinkable water. Dry conditions are impacting wildlife habitats in various regions.

Possible Solution to Water Crisis in Pakistan

The water crisis requires collective efforts from the government, communities, and individuals. Here are some possible solutions:

Large dams on rivers can save a lot of water during the rainy season. During dry seasons, when rivers contain less water, this stored water can be used. Dam construction is critical for Pakistan to store more water.

Repair Leaky Pipes

Our city water pipes are quite old and broken. A large quantity of pure water leaks from these pipelines before it reaches our homes. To stop the leakage, the government must repair all of the broken pipes. This will save a significant amount of water.

Recycle Waste Water

We can treat dirty used water and make it clean again. After further treatment, this recycled water can be utilized for agriculture, industries, or even drinking. Planting water-recycling plants can make an important impact.

Plant More Trees

Trees aid in the production of rain. They help to fill the ground and prevent floods. We can enhance our water supply by planting more trees, which will draw more rain and restore our rivers and groundwater.

Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay

The water crisis in Pakistan is a major threat to our future, and immediate action is required to fix it. Understanding the root causes and effects of the problem allows us to work towards long-term solutions. So, overcoming this problem requires water conservation, improved water management, and increased public awareness.

As responsible citizens, it is our responsibility to safeguard this valuable resource and create a better future for ourselves and future generations. Let us work together to address the water crisis and ensure a water-rich Pakistan for the benefit of all.

People Also Read: Essay On Energy Crisis In Pakistan

What is the problem water crisis in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s water crisis is significant and characterized by the scarcity of water resources and mismanagement of available water. Several factors contribute to the water crisis, creating a challenging situation for the country and its people.

Causes of water crisis in Pakistan?

Pakistan lost ownership of three eastern tributaries of the Indus River under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan.

What is water crisis summary?

Many industries have had to shut down because of insufficient water supply. This crisis directly impacts the lives of citizens and the economic growth of the country. Due to some reasons, most cities and villages across Pakistan face water shortages. 

Why is the water crisis an issue?

The water crisis in Pakistan is a serious problem where there is not enough water for everyone who needs it. Pakistan has a shortage of water because there is not a lot of rain, and the available water is not managed well.

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  1. Essay on "Water Crisis in Pakistan and its Remedies" for CSS, PMS

    This is an essay on "Water Crisis in Pakistan and its Remedies" for CSS, PMS, and Judiciary Examinations. Pakistan's big arguably, biggest — problem is water scarcity. The country faces acute water scarcity by 2025 and will be the most water-stressed country in South Asia within two decades. Almost 30 million Pakistanis have no access

  2. Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward

    Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward Nazam Maqbool , Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad. "Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two noble prizes - one for peace and one for science" John F Kennedy[1] INTRODUCTION Water scarcity is a frightening… - Water Crisis in Pakistan: Manifestation, Causes and the Way Forward ...

  3. Essay on Water Crisis or Water Shortage in Pakistan with Outline

    Here is an essay on Water shortage in Pakistan with Outline for the students of Class 10, Class 12 and graduation. In this essay on the water crisis, we will discuss the importance of water in our daily life and how people are misusing it in our country. The source to get water, problems of people of interior Sindh and Balochistan, as well as ...

  4. Essay Outline

    The document discusses Pakistan's water crisis and potential remedies. It outlines that Pakistan faces severe water shortages according to World Bank and ADB reports. The key causes outlined are a lack of new dam construction, disputes between provinces over water distribution and climate change impacts. It also discusses India's role via the Indus Water Treaty and projects on the Chenab and ...

  5. Water Crisis Essy Outline and Complete

    Water Crisis Essy Outline and Complete - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Water scarcity is a serious issue facing Pakistan. Pakistan is projected to reach "absolute water scarcity" by 2025 due to various contributing factors reducing available water from 5,300 cubic meters per capita in 1947 to an estimated 500 cubic meters ...

  6. Water Crisis in Pakistan!

    Pakistan's water crisis has had far-reaching repercussions for human health, agriculture and the environment. A lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities has resulted in waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid and dysentery sweeping through.

  7. CSS Essay: Water Crisis in PAKISTAN

    - Pakistan being a single basin country is facing challenges of water scarcity. - Pakistan among the 36 most water stressed countries. 2. Overview of the Current Situation of water crisis in Pakistan. 2.1 IMF report throwing light on the severity of Pakistan's water crisis. (a) Pakistan has the world's 4th highest rate of water use. (b ...

  8. CSS Essay

    Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis despite having large glacial resources. It is among the most water stressed countries globally. Key causes include water terrorism by India through construction of dams on western rivers, delays in building dams within Pakistan, population growth, and inefficient water management. Consequences include potential for water wars, droughts damaging ...

  9. Water crisis, Impacts and Management in Pakistan

    Scarcity of water will cause unrest among people. 4. Pakistan will bound to purchase water from foreign countries. o Management of water crises: - International levels: Pakistan should involve SAARC and UN to urge India not to make dams on western rivers. - National level:

  10. PMS Complete Essay with Outlines Water Crisis and Nation .pdf

    ICEP CSS - PMS The Best CSS - PMS Students Social Supportive Institute in Pakistan For Details 03222077774 188, Main Canal Bank Road, Abu Bakar Block, B III Garden Town, Near Metro Bus Station 54000 Lahore, Pakistan. 03222077774, 03444777616 Water Crisis and National Unity By Mam Saba Nur ICEP Faculty Member OUTLINE 1. Introduction 2. Relation of water crisis and national unity 3.

  11. Water Crisis In Pakistan

    Essay. The Water Crisis has become the core issue of Pakistan. It is estimated that Pakistan might run out of water resources until 2025. According to the IMF, Pakistan is having the third position among the countries facing severe water shortage. If proper measures are not taken and we leave this problem to get solved on its own, Pakistan will ...

  12. Israel's war on Gaza live: Israeli air raids on al-Mawasi kill at least

    Since the start of the war in October, Israeli forces have completely destroyed 42 wells, partially destroyed 16 wells and destroyed about 70,000 linear metres of water networks, it added. live-orange

  13. As Israel inflicts starvation, I am fighting to feed my baby in Gaza

    Even before the war, access to safe, clean water was limited to just 4 percent of Gaza's population. In the first days of the ongoing war, water became even more scarce.

  14. Pakistan Withers Under Deadly Heat and Fears the Coming Rains

    Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, endured days of temperatures above 100 Fahrenheit, made worse by power cuts and high humidity. By Zia ur-Rehman Reporting from Karachi In nearly every corner of ...

  15. Israel war on Gaza live: Israeli forces kill dozens in Gaza City

    Local official says Israeli forces deliberately targeted displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, adding that the bodies of 70 people have recovered from the attacks in the Tal al-Hawa area.

  16. Water Crisis and National Unity

    Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis that is affecting national unity. The water crisis is causing interprovincial conflicts, economic issues, and health problems while reducing available water resources. It is the result of factors like climate change, lack of water infrastructure, and poor agricultural practices, as well as disputes with neighboring countries over water access. This ...

  17. Essay on Water crisis in Pakistan CSS/PMS .Current affair

    Water crisis in Pakistan Outline Introduction Facts and reports about Pakistan UNDP .WB. PCRWR REPORTSEXTENT OF TOPICAND PAKISTAN situation Reasons of wat...

  18. By the river: youth homelessness in Tasmania

    This photo essay is part of a larger photojournalism project examining Australia's housing crisis. The Great Crumbling Australian Dream is a collaboration between Oculi photographers and ABC News ...

  19. Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay With Outline 2023

    Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay. Water is life. But in Pakistan, we are facing water crises in Pakistan. Water is the source of life and is necessary for the survival of all living things on Earth. Unfortunately, Pakistan is experiencing a major water shortage, which threatens our future. So, in this essay, we will look at the causes, effects ...

  20. Understanding Pakistan's Energy Crisis: Causes, Consequences,

    View Economy of pakistan.docx from ECON 302 at University of Agriculture, Peshawar. Assignment Class: BBA (sec B) Course title: Econ-302 Submitted to: Dr Amjad Iqbal Submitted by: Areesha

  21. Essay On Water Crisis In Pakistan With Outline

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  22. Outline-Intro

    Outline-intro_Water Crisis in Pakistan and Its Remedies - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis that is expected to worsen, according to a 2019 World Bank report. The report predicts that per capita water availability in Pakistan will decline sharply to just 800 cubic meters by 2025, marking ...

  23. Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay 2018 Outline

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  26. Essay On Water Crisis in PAKISTAN

    Essay on Water Crisis in PAKISTAN - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Essay on water crises

  27. Water Crisis In Pakistan Essay 2018 Outline

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  28. Essay Outline Water Crisics

    Essay Outline Water Crisics - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. The document discusses Pakistan's water crisis and potential solutions. It outlines that Pakistan faces water shortages due to a lack of dam construction, disputes over water sharing between provinces, climate change, and mismanagement of resources.