Some say terrorism is the biggest threat to Pakistan and others may say political instability is the problem but for me, the hard nut to crack is Water scarcity. Because it is a real-time existing issue in Pakistan.
According to the UNO Report, Pakistan is at the 7th position in the list of countries, which are facing the water crisis. Pakistan is facing a serious threat to Water nowadays. The problem of water needs the serious attention of our politicians, who have ordinary eyes over this issue since the last decade.
Michael Kugelman: 'You can't have a sustainable economy if it doesn't have enough water to power it'
Everyone is setting fiery statement against the adverse condition of water in Pakistan which is very desperate and acute situation. The question arises, should Pakistan take a step to address this issue or ignore it?
Everyone suffers when water becomes precious because water is the force in life. Surely, Pakistan is a poor country which can't replace water deficiency with the water bottles. On the other hand, farmers and farming at large based on water proper irrigation which is not available. Among the entire situation it seems our politicians are not interested in tackling the issue of the water crisis in Pakistan. Michael Kugelman, South Asia expert at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson Center, talks about the reasons behind the mismanagement of water in the South Asian nation, the consequences of this aggressive water consumption as well as potential solutions.
According to him, there three major reasons for the water crisis. One is bad water management. The second reason is population growth. As the population is rising rapidly and demand is not being met. And the third, more recent, the reason is climate change.
Addressing a weekly news briefing here, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammed Faisal said: “For Pakistan, water is its jugular vein, as we are largely an agro-based economy.” Pakistan is an agricultural country. 70 % of our country's population is based on agriculture. There is no proper irrigation system. Farming actually based on irrigation which is in poor condition. Moreover, the disturbing condition of groundwater supplies, the resorts of water is being depleted.
Moreover, there are serious economic and political implications about water. Lack of water means an unsustain economy. Agriculture, which is the major contributor to the economy, is deeply imperiled by water loss. On the other hand, political economy yet to be determined. If nothing is done in future about water, definitely situation gets worse and pressure on the leadership will intensify.
No government till now is able to sort out the water problem which is the need of the time otherwise situation will be more desperate and acute. Furthermore, in a recent span of time, restlessness is increasing day by day, if things get out of hand, perhaps even a military takeover. None of this can be ruled out, such as the seriousness of the situation.
Now the question arises what are possible solutions to Pakistan's water crisis? The tough thing is that there is no silver bullet. A series of measures need to be taken.
First of all, however, Pakistan's leaders and stakeholders need to have the legal framework in this context, on the other hand, take it as a challenge. Simply blaming previous governments, or blaming India, for the crisis won't solve anything.
Next, the government needs to promote an agenda and make people aware of the use of water. Especially the farmers must be trained on how they can be more productive in conserving water resources.
If not large but on a small basis, water conserving resources and methods must be introduced as rainwater and wastewater. People must have an incentive to conserve water.
Small and large dams throughout the country must be arranged and encouraged, among all of them Kalabagh Dam KBD is the and other dams like this are the dire need of the time. They are the only source to address the water crisis issues in the country and to bridge the problem of water from India side, stated by a Diplomat in a recent press conference.
The author is currently pursuing Mphil in English Literature from Ripah University Faisalabad.
