Water scarcity coming threat to Pakistan
By Shaukat Masood Zafar • Apr 26th, 2012 • Category: Lead Story, Politics, Worth A Second Look • 24 CommentsWater as the saying goes, is life and he who gives water, gives life. Clean water is therefore the link to health, economic and agricultural prosperity. With a rising population, increasing water use per capita and depleting reserves of groundwater, is an increasingly precious resource.
Pakistan is an agricultural country thus agriculture gains are of much importance than any other sector. Importance of this sector is manifold as it feeds people, provides raw material for industry and is a base for foreign trade. Pakistan has the unfortunate characteristic of being prone to prolonged and severe droughts at any time. A combination of natural and human factors is responsible for water scarcity. They include lack of rainfall, population growth and inadequate infrastructures, but also the trend towards urbanization and inefficient governance. The mountain glaciers which feed the rivers which are the lifeline of both Pakistan and India are also melting very rapidly due to climate change.
Today the most influential issue that Pakistan faces is water scarcity. It affects all who inhabit the country. The lack of water limits farmers’ ability to produce enough food to eat or earn a living. With population increase and economic growth, water demands for cities and for the industry are growing much faster than those of agriculture. Millions of Pakistanis suffer from water shortages throughout the year because of water scarcity. Pakistan is chronically water-stressed. Although growth has slowed, an expanding economy, a growing population, and increased evaporation caused by climate change are conspiring to put additional pressures on water resources. In fact it is a bigger issue than we imagine it to be.
Pakistan, whose agriculture-dominated economy is heavily reliant on the Indus and its tributaries, fears upstream dams allow India to manipulate the flows of water as it sees fit. In the Indus Water Treaty, control over the three “eastern” rivers — the Bias, Ravi and Sutlej — was given to India and the three “western” rivers — the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum — to Pakistan. While Pakistan miserably failed to build water reservoirs and protect its water rights on three rivers, India is continuously constructing water reservoirs on our water rights clearly violating the Indus Water Treaty, exacerbating Pakistan’s dire water shortages, choking its agricultural production and ruining livelihoods. It is not the Pakistan alone against which the Indian government was hatching water conspiracies but it was playing the same game with China, Bangladesh and Nepal also. Our leaders on the other hand have politicized the Kalabagh Dam, downstream Tarbela, and criminally neglected building other major reservoirs like Diamer-Bhasha etc.
At the current rate of dam siltation, water is going to start running out in January, hastening a decline in crop yield. In fact Kalabagh dam has the capacity to produce cheaper electricity and improve our overall power mix, which could work to the advantage both of the domestic consumer and industry in addition to providing sufficient water for irrigation. The political leadership is manipulating the issue for their advantage and is playing with future generations of this country. Our leaders have, however, no vision to realize the horrible scenario when there will be no water for crops and maybe for drinking purposes as well throughout the country. It is unfortunate that our decision markers are not the victims of wrong decisions, as it only adversely affect the common man. Civil society would have to play a crucial role in creating a larger consensus, as new large water reservoirs would benefit every Pakistani.
Pakistan suffers from chronically overburdened water systems under increasing stress from fast-growing urban areas. Weak governments, corruption, mismanagement of resources, poor long-term investment, and a lack of environmental research and urban infrastructure only exacerbate the problem. Apart from this India has started four other mega projects on the Chenab and Jhelum Rivers that can result in major shortage of water in Pakistan in coming days. India has also planned three dams on River Indus which will have devastating impact on Pakistan’s already scarce water resources. According to India its dams are run-of-the-river aimed at generating hydroelectricity, or in the case of the Tulbul navigation project on the Jhelum, meeting other development needs like facilitating year-round trade. Unfortunately, by providing such like space to India by not setting up our own reservoirs we are going towards conflict and not conflict resolution. The main conflicts in India and Pakistan during the coming years could be over that most precious of commodities - water, as countries fight for access to scarce resources. People have historically fought wars to access water. Competition for water in the next decade will fuel instability in parts of Asia. Potential ‘water wars’ are likely in areas where rivers and lakes are shared by more than one country, according to a UN Development Program (UNDP) report. However before confronting India we must put our house in order. If we couldn’t defend and prudently utilize our own resources we would not be able to fight for the similar resources being usurped by others.
The worsening problem of water scarcity may contribute to political instability. The clock is ticking for Pakistan’s stretched water supply, and in next decade demand will have caught up with supply. Water is the most important issue for us. The quality and quantity of the water supply should be better managed, and called for more investment in infrastructure. We have only five to seven years to construct replacement reservoirs and expand storage capacity through new dams, like the ready-to-go Kalabagh, before Pakistan starts seeing unbearable wheat shortages. Since water projects have a long gestation period, urgent decisions are required to be made for building dams. There are many other possible solutions in order to prevent water scarcity in the country. One of the solutions is the creation of a rainwater catchment system that is based on collection of rainwater and gravity flow pressure principles. Small water reserviors can be built on run of the rivers. This system is relatively inexpensive, flexible and is easy to reconfigure and expand. No Kalabagh dam sloganeering is what India is fervently praying for. With a little investment in promoting opposition propaganda against Kalabagh dam, India has planted the seeds of our economic collapse, and disunity and distrust among our provinces.
All those who are opposing the Kalabagh Dam are doing disfavor to the whole nation. The current scenario demands Pakistan’s first priority should be to build Kalabagh dam following Diamer-Bhasha and other major reservoirs in addition to constructing small reservoirs for short term needs.
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Be prepare with final & decisive war, kindly remain in contact with D/I or with his boss namely AAM.
Mansoori - Kabhi - Bhi - B*iqoufoun - Ki - Janat - Ka - Basi - Na -Raha-
*Wijdan- Ki- Nazar -Say- Ju-Deikhta-Osska- Khul-Ker-Izhar- Kurta- Raha-
Sari-Baat-Ka- Khulasa -*Mukhtasar Alfaz -Mein-Khud *I/F Per Kurta-Raha-
*I/F = Issi Forum / Pakspectator
*Wijdan = To see upcoming events of South Asia with use of six sense
*Mukhtasar Alfaz = Ten sentences of any Indian Official are enough to understand their respective delay tactics.
Mansoori - Kabhi - Bhi - B*iqoufoun - Ki - Janat - Ka - Basi - Na -Raha-
*Wijdan- Ki- Nazar -Say- Ju-Deikhta-Osska- Khul-Ker-Izhar- Kurta- Raha-
Sari-Baat-Ka- Khulasa -*Mukhtasar Alfaz -Mein-Khud *I/F Per Kurta-Raha-
Mansoori … you are dull and boring. I wonder which stupid told you that you are funny.
@3
Exactly that is what I say.
An eye opener piece of writing. But who has the time to heed such like issues. The rulers are busy in loot mar and after their plundering operation is completed they will be sitting in UK, USA, Dubai etc. They have nothing to do with water scarcity in Pakistan. Army Chief and Chief Justice are also providing their full support to these decoits to plunder Pakistan more and more.
Yes, it is an existing threat. Pakistan is being subjected to a water war by its malicious eastern neighbour which has been ‘playing’ with the water for years, which is partly why it’s occupying Pakistani territory i.e. Muslim Jammu & Kashmir. That is why no ties with India until J&K is settled according to the 1948 UN Resolution, all water issues too as well as Sir Creek.
Secondly, IMHO people need to have less children and practice family planning within the confines of what is allowed in Quran and Sunnah. After all, water like all other resources, is limited, and people should give their children some quality of life. Spitting out kids constantly without a thought presents challenges everywhere.
@ 3 — I never claimed own-self as funny rather always shouted I’m representative of helpless, poor & ignored nation whereat even highly qualified ruling English Speaking Elite do not understand the meaning of its importance plus its required urgency —”Justice Must Prevailed”— rather they just know how to eliminate Beared & Veiled & ready to victimize an orthodox group of innocent Muslims.
Why as American/Brits & NATO administration said so:
*BAR = Burdon of PROOF – to established the fact that War against Terror is genuine & Bonafide
*Sikhlaien – Gay- Tum-Ko- Yar- = YOU American Administration – You haven’t realized – How Afghans/Pakistanis are SMART – you are Smart, Far Sighted & HERO - only in HOLLYWOOD based Movies in Real CRUEL & BRUTAL World Politics – You are Just – ZERO before – Afghans/Pakistani.
*D-G. = Double Game = ISI V/s CIA – this DANGEROUS Double is CONTINUED – just to GAIN Supremacy in the SOUTH ASIA REGION – let’s WATCH with PATIENCE – how the Table will be TURNED OVER.
Running the WAR – Yah – Jhoot – Ka- Tum – Per – *BAR-
Kiya - Tumhari - Auqat – Itnay – Nahi – Tum – Iyar -o- Makar-
*D-G. - Kaisay - Khaila – Jata – *Sikhlaien – Gay- Tum-Ko- Yar-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xta2bM_npuE&feature=player_embedded
@ 3 Yes one thing more by the way what was the result of that prescribed ointment which was written strictly & advised to use daily as you’re declare *Bhawasi & spread around your already swelled a*sh*le area every single visit to XYZ Punjabi.
*Bhawasi = declared lust holder of An*l S*x.
it is an existing threat. Pakistan is being subjected to a water war by its malicious eastern neighbor which has been ‘playing’ with the water for years, which is partly why it’s occupying Pakistani territory
so much backward approach.
Pakistan digs its grave by its own polices and as usual curse neighbors for its own fault.
West Pakistan was so much rich in fertile lands and water resources and Pakistanis could have been agriculture leader in this area if deference and jihad polices were not imposed on us by our fueal leaders and military heads.
but we wasted our energy and money to have nuclear bomb
actually we destroy ourselves in hope of killing scare crows.
If India did huge crime on 1984 in siachen then Pakistan made mega blunder in 1999 in siachen. you are spending billions on our glaciers in the phobia of India but actually loosing these water resources due to abnormal human movements and artillery fires.India is not dependent on only one water resource and they have full control and authority as all sources are in their range.
So reserves and resources are preserved if vision and wisdom exist in higher ranks which is quite absent in Pakistani side.
Enjoy your nuclear power status which in our imagination make tremors in India and they are taking full control on your water treasures.
@’Nazia’
This post of yours as well as your others on all things Pakistani and Islamic (four marriages, two female witnesses etc), confirm to be that you’re an INDIAN, not Pakistani or Muslim. Thanks for providing clarification. You have many compatriots on here, many always post under ‘Muslim’ names but the truth will out eventually. When a ‘Pakistani’ here gets irate over criticism of India, we know what s/he really is.
Pakistani Bint - really I mean it, you are an intelligent lady who reads every single word.
@10 number
hello is it you as this charge sheet was imposed me several times in this forum but all time it is proved that I am PakistanI and Muslim and living Pakistan since my birth. At least Aunty NADRA has fully acknowledged it and granted me my identity.
Actually main difference between you and me is that I dont love my country on the basis of hate for India nor I am favor of painting my face red by copying others specially my rivals. I want to raise my status on concrete and long lasting basis not want to throw my money and resources on planning war games with my neighbors.
By the way Nepal,Bangladesh and sri lanka are much smaller a and have no nuclear bombs why your hated India ever attacked on them to capture them.
Is India wants your high profile intelligent generals, intellectual political leaders or fanatic Taliban under their control for creating this arms race in which we oh sorry you Pakistani love to come first at all cost.
Bhutto said we will eat grass but make bomb
but are he and our generals and their families eating grass?
they and their families have become richest people of Pakistan but no doubt 70% Pakistanis are coming to stage of eating grass without pure water.
@11
DIL MAIN LADDO PHPPT GAIY APP KAY.
At least this credit should be given to me for providing you such moments of joys.
Jhom Aiy Dil - Kay- Nazia - Ko- PB- Nay- Aaina - Dikhaya-
Meri - Dili- Khuahish - Aur -Omangoun - Pay- Nikhar - Aaiya-
Bara - Maza - Aaiya - Bara- Maza- Aaiya- Bara- Maza- Aaiya-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37LtAen9DG0
Inspite of three wars, the Indus water treat has held. India has not stopped water as a war measure in any of the conflicts.
The link to the full treaty is below.Basically the problem with Pakistan is they just do not want to follow their agreement whether it is Shimla accord and now Indus water treaty of 1960.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTSOUTHASIA/Resources/223497-1105737253588/IndusWatersTreaty1960.pdf
In addition to building new water reservoirs like Kalabagh and Bhasha as well as small dams, serious conservation steps and modern irrigation techniques need to be taken to improve the efficiency of water use in Pakistani agriculture which claims almost all of the available fresh water resources. Writer has very timely attempted to alarm the bell I really appreciate it.
@nazia stop misleading people on water issue. India is stealing our water from the rivers, manipulating and restricting natural flow of water, by constructing dams resulting in water shortage and harming our farmers. If india does not stop with its terrorism, we should build MORE nukes and weapons. If push comes to shove, be prepared to take out their dams.
@comment 12
Sorry, but with respect, I don’t believe it for a second. The sub-text of each of your posts says otherwise…all the defenders of India here, consistently post under pseudo-nyms claiming to be ‘Pakistani’ but all they ever do, is sit there denigrating Pakistan at every opportunity and defending India. They fool no one except themselves.
“Actually main difference between you and me is that I dont love my country on the basis of hate for India nor I am favor of painting my face red by copying others specially my rivals. I want to raise my status on concrete and long lasting basis not want to throw my money and resources on planning war games with my neighbors.” - ‘Nazia’
This is a perfect illustration of insulting Indian double-speak and dishonesty. The country your good-self loves here is India, not Pakistan. Kindly have the decency to show the courage of your convictions by posting as an Indian that you are, instead of insulting people’s intelligence. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and acts like a duck, what is it? Yeah, a duck. No, the main difference betwen your good-self and I, is that I am a Pakistani and whatever my flaws (and there are plenty), I am posting as a Pakistani. I wouldn’t insult anyone’s intellect here or even on an Indian site, by pretending to be Indian and posting anti-Indian, pro-Pakistani posts, and calling myself ‘Geeta’, ‘Jyoti’, or ‘Deepika’. It would fool no one and I wouldn’t bother. It is contemptible.
Further, my attachment to Pakistan is based on the fact that it is my homeland and isn’t predicated on “hate for India” as alleged. However, thankfully I recognise that India never has been and never will be a friend of Pakistan’s because it has hegemonic designs on it and believes it doesn’t have a right to exist, except under Indian subjugation or tutelage. My view of India is not based on pre-conceptions or prejudice, but on honest analysis of India’s RECORD and AGGRESSION towards Pakistan since both countries were born in 1948. For example, the Kashmir dispute and Rann of Kach, Sir Creek, the 1948 war, 1965 war, India’s central role in dismembering Pakistan in 1971, India’s initation of a nuclear arms race by testing it nuclear weapons in 1974, Indian RAW’s sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan since the 1950s and accelerated since the 1970s, India’s invasion and occupation of Siachen in 1984, Indian sponsorship of separatism and violence in Sindh, Baluchistan since the 1970s, India’s aggression in Kargil, Indian sponsorship of terrorism along Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa since 2001 where it has opened more than 120 Indian consulates on the Afghan-Pakistan border, the Indian attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore blamed on ‘Islamists’, India’s false-flag operation of Mumbai 2008 blamed on ‘Pakistani Islamists’ and its funding and support of fresh-terrorism in Baluchistan along with the the US and Israel…etc). I am realistic enough to recognise which country is the greatest enemy of Pakistan and tries to harm it at every turn, and it is India.
I affirm and shout from the roof-tops like every true Pakistani that it is India which is occupying Muslim Jammu & Kashmir, an INTEGRAL PART of Pakistan by the very principle of the ‘division’ of the South Asian ‘Raj’ to which Indian Congress leaders Gandhi and Nehru AGREED, together with Britain and the Muslim League of Jinnah.
I declare from the roof-tops that Junagarh, Hyderbabad and Manavadar opted to join Pakistan that the Indian Gandhi didn’t accept this and took them by force, citing the principle that they were Hindu-majority states. But they deny this same majority-principle in the case of J & K. I declare that Gurdaspur and Ambala were Muslim majority-areas and belonged to Pakistan, but were stolen by India in collusion with the imperial power of the time, to cheat the Muslims as usual. I declare that India is stealing and misdirecting water into Pakistan’s rivers at every opportunity and opening dams during floods as they did in 2010. I declare that India & co are directly instigating terrorism in every part of Pakistan from Baluchistan to FATA where dead, uncircumcised alleged ‘Islamists’ have been discovered carrying out bombings. I declare that India is destabilising Gilgit-Baltistan along with Uncle Sam just like in Gwadar and wider Baluchistan, to stop Chinese influence and investment there. I declare that India has been murdering its own citizens, Indian Muslims from Gujarat to UP on a regular basis for the last 64 years and take every opportunity to make them fifth-class citizens.
“I want to raise my status on concrete and long lasting basis not want to throw my money and resources on planning war games with my neighbors” - ‘Nazia’
That’s the Indian pot calling the Pakistani kettle black. Last time I checked it was your country India that was “throwing…money and resources” on “planning” and actually carrying out war-games, and launching an ICBM missile not 2 weeks ago. It is India which regularly carries out military excercises with Israel and the US. It is India which started that nuclear arms race in 1974 when it acquired nuclear weapons as above-mentioned. It is India which has signed an agreement with the US on further nuclear development. It is India which can’t feed its hundreds of millions’ of poor, but has initiated a space-programme for military purposes, to massage its huge ego and to intimidate its smaller neighbours.
“By the way Nepal,Bangladesh and sri lanka are much smaller a and have no nuclear bombs why your hated India ever attacked on them to capture them.” - ‘Nazia’
The fact these three have no nuclear weapons doesn’t mean they don’t want them. It is Pakistan that your country India has fought THREE big wars of aggression with and a near fourth in Kargil. It is Pakistan which your India dismembered in 1971. It is a part of Pakistan, Muslim Jammu & Kashmir which India which is occupying, so why would Pakistan not develop nuclear weapons once its expanisonist, aggressive, large, bellicose and venal neighbour India, acquired nuclear weapons to intimidate and target it?
With respect, have you been living under a stone for the last 64 years? India has been fighting a proxy-war in Sri Lanka for the last 31 years with its fellow Hindu henchmen, the Tamil Tigers doing their dirty-work until they were thankfully routed by Sri Lanka. India also consistently inteferes in the affairs of the Kindgom of Bhutan, in Nepal and in Banglades. It also interferes in the affairs of China including in Tibet and in stirring things with the Dalai Lama. India does not have good relations with any of its neighbours. Ever wonder why.
*correction: 1947
@18
Well said. You are really a true Pakistani and have raised valid points.