By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
Pakistan is facing an acute water crisis, with underground water resources depleting at an alarming rate.
The country, primarily reliant on the Indus Basin aquifer, is now one of the most water-stressed nations
in the world. Recent reports from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and other renowned
international agencies highlight the severity of the situation and urge immediate action to mitigate the
impending disaster.
According to the latest WRI report, Pakistan ranks 14th among the world's most water-stressed
countries. The report indicates that the country’s demand for water is significantly higher than its
available supply. A staggering 80% of Pakistan's agricultural output depends on irrigation from the Indus
Basin, which is now under severe stress.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also underscores the critical nature of Pakistan’s
water scarcity. The UNDP's recent findings reveal that Pakistan’s per capita water availability has
plummeted from 5,600 cubic meters in 1947 to a perilously low 1,017 cubic meters in 2023. This figure is
alarmingly close to the threshold of absolute water scarcity, defined as 1,000 cubic meters per capita.
After research, several reasons have been revealed due to which the ground water has decreased. Rapid
population growth and agricultural expansion have led to excessive extraction of groundwater. The
widespread use of tube wells for irrigation and drinking purposes has significantly lowered the water
table, especially in Punjab and Sindh provinces.
A significant portion of fresh drinking underground water is wasted on non-essential activities such as
washing vehicles, irrigating private lawns, and other domestic uses. This misuse further exacerbates the
water scarcity, highlighting the need for better awareness and regulatory measures.
Changing climatic patterns have resulted in erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, reducing the natural
replenishment of aquifers. The increased frequency of extreme weather events has further exacerbated
the stress on water resources.
Similarly, inefficient water management practices and lack of regulatory frameworks have aggravated
the water crisis. Leakage in irrigation canals, outdated farming techniques, and lack of investment in
modern water-saving technologies contribute to the unsustainable use of groundwater. Furthermore,
the rapid pace of urbanization has increased the demand for water in cities. Urban areas often rely on
groundwater to meet their needs, further straining the already depleting aquifers.
This is a matter of fact that Pakistan's water crisis is not an isolated phenomenon. Several other regions
around the world are also grappling with severe water shortages. Notably, Cape Town in South Africa
came perilously close to "Day Zero" in 2018, when the city was on the brink of running out of water
entirely. Stringent water rationing and aggressive public awareness campaigns helped avert the crisis,
but the situation remains a stark reminder of the global water scarcity issue.
Similarly, regions in India, Australia, and the Middle East are facing severe water stress. The Indian city
of Chennai experienced a major water crisis in 2019, with reservoirs drying up completely. In Australia,
prolonged droughts have severely impacted agriculture and urban water supplies. The Middle East,
already one of the driest regions on the planet, faces ongoing challenges with water scarcity
exacerbated by political conflicts and climatic changes.
In addition to the current water crisis in Pakistan, many other related sectors may face crisis.
Agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan's economy, is severely threatened by water scarcity. Reduced
water availability affects crop yields, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. Likewise
contaminated and scarce water resources pose significant health risks. Waterborne diseases, such as
cholera and dysentery, are prevalent in areas with poor water quality.
Commonly water scarcity hampers industrial growth and increases the cost of water for businesses and
households. This economic burden can lead to social unrest and conflicts over water resources. Apart
from that lowering of the water table can lead to land subsidence and loss of wetlands, affecting
biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems.
Addressing the water crisis in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy reforms,
technological advancements, and public awareness. Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such
as drip and sprinkler systems, can reduce water wastage. Upgrading the irrigation infrastructure to
minimize leakage and adopting rainwater harvesting practices can significantly enhance water
conservation.
Similarly, establishing and enforcing regulations on groundwater extraction is crucial. Licensing and
monitoring of tube wells, along with incentivizing the use of alternative water sources, can help control
over-extraction. Developing climate-resilient agricultural practices and investing in research on drought-
resistant crops can mitigate the impact of climate change on water resources.
Educating the public about water conservation and encouraging community participation in water
management initiatives can foster a culture of sustainable water use. Campaigns to discourage the
misuse of fresh drinking water for non-essential activities like vehicle washing should be prioritized.
Therefore, the scarcity of underground water in Pakistan is a pressing issue that requires urgent
attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. The recent reports by international agencies serve
as a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. It is imperative for the government, private sector,
and civil society to work together to implement sustainable water management practices and ensure a
secure water future for Pakistan. Without immediate and effective action, the water crisis could escalate
into a full-blown catastrophe, affecting millions of lives and the country's economic stability.
