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Mian Iftikhar Ahmad :panah786@gmail.com Phone:0321 .Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis that is putting millions of lives at risk. The latest UN report ‘Global Water Security 2023 Assessment’ places Pakistan in the critically water-insecure category, indicating that the country is facing a water emergency that requires immediate attention. The report highlights the alarming fact that Pakistan is among the most water-stressed countries in the world, with rapidly declining water availability per capita. It is a cause for great concern that Pakistan’s water resources are under severe stress due to climate change, rapid population growth and mismanagement of water resources. The country is already facing water scarcity, and the situation is feared to worsen in the coming years. Pakistan’s water availability per capita has decreased by more than 80% in the last 70 years, and the country is now facing a looming water crisis. A general realization must prevail that this is not just an environmental issue but also a social and economic one. The lack of access to clean water is affecting people’s health, education and livelihoods. Women and children in rural areas are most affected, as they have to travel long distances to fetch water, which takes up their time and affects their education and employment opportunities. Pakistan needs to take immediate action to address the water crisis. The government needs to priorities water management and invest in water infrastructure. There is a need to increase water storage capacity, improve irrigation systems and promote water conservation practices. The government should also take measures to reduce water pollution, which is a major cause of waterborne diseases. The water crisis in Pakistan is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. The government, civil society and the private sector need to work together to ensure that Pakistan has sufficient water resources to meet the needs of its people.WATER crisis in Pakistan is at a critical juncture, with the country’s largest reservoirs—Tarbela and Mangla—almost reaching their dead levels, signalling a severe water shortage for the upcoming Kharif season.This dire situation, largely caused by a lack of winter rainfall, is poised to have devastating consequences for the agriculture sector, a backbone of the nation’s economy. Tarbela Dam, one of the country’s most crucial water storage facilities, is nearing its dead level of 1,402 feet, a point at which the reservoir can no longer effectively supply water. Similarly, Mangla Dam is hovering just 4 feet above its dead level of 1,050 feet. With inflows dwindling and outflows remaining high, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The immediate impact of this water deficit is already being felt in the wheat-growing regions, particularly in the Barani areas, where insufficient rainfall has already affected the crop. However, the most significant threat lies ahead, as the lack of water in reservoirs will affect the Kharif crops, including cotton, sugarcane and rice. These crops are heavily reliant on irrigation and the reduced water supply could hit production. This is not just an issue of water availability; it is about the future of our agriculture, our economy and the very foundation of our food security. The current crisis, if left unaddressed, could leave millions vulnerable to hunger and economic instability.We cannot afford complacency. The government, agricultural bodies and the general public must collaborate to ensure that adequate steps are taken before it is too late. The government must accelerate efforts on water conservation as well as the construction of both small and large-scale water reservoirs. By capturing and storing sufficient water during the monsoon season, we can better prepare for droughts and mitigate the devastating impact on crops. It is also time to rethink our approach to water management. The clock is ticking and without swift action, the consequences of inaction will be felt for generations to come.
