Water Crisis in Pakistan or Importance of Dams

Water is one of the basic necessities of life. No life could have been
possible on the planet Earth, had there been no water. However, it is a sad reality that we do not
bother to take proper measures for securing and preserving our natural resources unless crises start
knocking at our door. Although water is one of the most important natural resources we have, the
world is facing a grave crisis of its scarcity, owing mainly to the global warming and Pakistan is also
no exception in this regard. At present, Pakistan is confronting a number of issues but perhaps the
most daunting of them is the shortage of water. This problem is aggravating with each passing day.
According to a recently released International Monetary Fund report, Pakistan ranks third among
countries facing water shortage. One of the major reasons behind this issue is absence of proper
measures to conserve water. Around 30 million acre feet (MAF) of water is wasted due to poor
management. Economic cost of this water is in billion dollars. Due to this issue, the per capita
availability of water in Pakistan is consistently on the decline. Pakistan possesses only a thirty-day
water-storage capacity. Besides, the Pakistan Council of Research on Water Resources (PCRWR) has
warned that Pakistan would reach absolute water scarcity by 2025.

There are a number of reasons behind the shortage of water in Pakistan.

Before blaming the rulers and concerned authorities, we must blame ourselves for our carelessness
and slackness in saving water. We don’t take proper measures while using water for household
activities. That is why the gap between availability and demand of water has increased manifolds.
We should turn all the taps off while we are not using water. Moreover, there is an urgent need to
educate the masses on proper use of water. The role of media is imperative in this regard. TV
channels should air different programmes to create awareness among the people. The need of the
time is to take steps at individual level.

On a larger scale, we must construct new water reservoirs and construction

of dams is also imperative to overcome the issue of water shortage. We have to realize that this
acute problem cannot be overcome unless dams are constructed. Unfortunately, our government is
not paying heed to this fact. Currently, there are only 150 dams of above 49-foot height in Pakistan.

Deteriorating situation of our dams is another worrisome phenomenon.

Mangla Dam and Tarbela Dam became operational in 1967 and 1974 respectively, and these are
now reaching dead level. But, not even a single major reservoir has been constructed since Tarbela.
Now, there is a dire need to construct major reservoirs in Pakistan. In addition, the construction of
small dams in different suitable areas could help us overcome the chronic issues of energy crisis and
water scarcity. It is worth mentioning here that the current per capita availability of water in
Pakistan has reached 1016 cubic metres and if it falls below 1000 cubic metres, Pakistan will become
a water-scarce country.

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 utilization 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 an effective measure to get the country out of water
crises.