"From Bad to Worse: Pakistan's Water Crisis and the Need for Urgent Action.

Water is a basic need for every country's growth. With crises of water, we can’t imagine even life circles. Many countries are facing water crises. The water crisis in Pakistan is one of the most important issues.

Pakistan is predominantly an agrarian country, and approximately 80% of the economy depends on agriculture which is not possible with the water crisis.

Pakistan’s water originates from several sources. From the total rainwater, around 60% of water comes from the monsoon rainy season and winter rains. In addition, Pakistan has a lot of glaciers that feed the river system in Pakistan. Indus River and its canal system provide us with most of the water needed for irrigation. The water crises in Pakistan have multiple dimensions and causes which require some urgent actions.

Causes of Water Crises in Pakistan

Pakistan's water crisis has multiple causes, Including

· Climate Change: Climate change is a significant contributor to water scarcity in Pakistan. The country is experiencing irregular rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and reduced snowfall in mountainous regions. These climatic changes have resulted in decreased water availability, particularly in the Indus River, which is the primary source of water for agriculture, industry, and households.

· Population Growth: Pakistan is one of the most populous countries in the world, with an estimated population of over 220 million people. The rapid population growth has put a strain on the country's limited water resources. The water demand has increased, while the available water supply has decreased, exacerbating the water crisis. Pakistan’s population has increased from 33 million in 1951 to over 220 million in 2020, putting immense pressure on the limited water resources.

· Inefficient Water Management: Pakistan has a low water storage capacity of only 30 days, compared to the world average of 150 days. Pakistan's water management practices are inefficient, resulting in significant water losses due to leakages, evaporation, and other forms of wastage. The country also lacks modern irrigation infrastructure, which results in water logging and the Stalinization of agricultural land.

Industrial pollution: Industries discharge untreated wastewater into rivers and lakes, contaminating the surface and groundwater sources. This poses serious health risks for humans and animals, as well as environmental degradation.

The impacts of Water Scarcity in Pakistan are,

· Agriculture: Agriculture consumes about 90% of the total water use in Pakistan, and it’s the backbone of Pakistan's economy, water scarcity has severe impacts on the country's agricultural sector. The water shortage has resulted in reduced crop yields, which reduced food availability and quality leading to food insecurity and poverty.

· Industry: Industries, particularly the textile industry, require significant amounts of water for their operations. The water shortage has resulted in reduced production and increased costs, affecting the country's economy and employment opportunities.

· Human Health: Water scarcity has severe impacts on human health, particularly in rural areas where people are forced to drink contaminated water, leading to water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis.

Energy shortages: Water scarcity affects the generation of hydropower, which accounts for about 30% of the total electricity supply in Pakistan. This can cause power outages, load shedding, and higher energy costs.

Social conflicts: Water scarcity can trigger disputes and violence among different groups over the allocation and use of water resources. This can undermine social cohesion and stability in the country.

Solutions to Water Scarcity in Pakistan

The water crisis in Pakistan requires urgent and comprehensive solutions that involve multiple stakeholders and sectors. Some of the possible solutions are:

· Efficient Water Management: Pakistan needs to improve its water management practices to reduce water wastage and increase water efficiency. This includes modernizing irrigation infrastructure, introducing water-saving technologies, and implementing effective water pricing policies.

· Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is an effective method of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This method can provide water for agriculture and household needs, particularly in areas where groundwater is scarce.

· Desalination: Desalination is the process of removing swabs and other minerals from seawater or brackish water to produce freshwater. This technology can provide fresh water for industrial and household needs, particularly in coastal areas where freshwater is scarce.

· Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can play a significant role in promoting water conservation and reducing water wastage. These campaigns can educate people about the importance of water conservation and encourage them to adopt water-saving practices in their daily lives.

· Population control: Pakistan needs to implement effective family planning and reproductive health programs to reduce the population growth rate and ease the pressure on water resources.

Building the Dams and Reservoirs: Pakistan direly needs to build dams and reservoirs to prevent water wastage and meet the burgeoning water demands. In this regard, in 2018, The Supreme Court of Pakistan also declared that the construction of Dams is essential for survival. In this connection, the court has commenced the civil drive for the collection of Diamer- Bhasha and Mohmand head's finances. Presently, the design of the Diamer- Bhasha Dams is ongoing in Pakistan. Pakistan also needs to construct further small and large heads to help water losses in flood and rain and meet the demands of water.

Controlling Water Pollution: Another solution for the water crisis is to prevent the contamination of both surface water and groundwater sources. For this purpose, the authorities need to enforce the national environmental quality standards. Furthermore, the government should encourage the industrial sector to install wastewater treatment plants by offering subsidies and tax breaks. Likewise, it can deter water pollution by imposing penalties.

Conclusion:

Water is a precious resource and water scarcity is a severe issue in Pakistan. Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving water management practices, promoting water conservation, and adopting innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting and desalination. While the government has taken some steps to address the water crisis, more needs to be done to ensure the. By addressing the causes and consequences of the water crisis in Pakistan, we can ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.