TITLE

CURRENT AFFAIR PRESENTATION

Name of the Probationary Officer: SOHAIL AHMED

AS No.: 100

Topic: Water Resources Management in Pakistan- Analysis and Way Forward

Contents
INTRODUCTION:....................................................................................................................................4
AVAILABLE WATER RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN..........................................................................5
1- Rainfall...........................................................................................................................................5
2- Glaciers...........................................................................................................................................5
3- Rivers and Dams............................................................................................................................6
4- Groundwater in Pakistan..............................................................................................................6
EXISTING WATER RESOURCES AND PROBLEMS- ANALYSIS..................................................7
1- Decline in Water Availability Vis a Vis Demands:......................................................................7
2- Declining Storage Capacity of Existing Water Reservoirs:........................................................7
3- Climate Change Effects on Glaciers:............................................................................................7
4- Limited Storage Facility:...............................................................................................................7
5- Tube Well Irrigation – A Serious Exploitation of Ground Water:............................................7
PAKISTAN’S INTER PROVINCIAL WATER MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES..........................7
1- Major Agreements Regulating Interprovincial Water Distribution:.........................................7
2- Establishment of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) In the backdrop of Water Accord of
1991:.......................................................................................................................................................8
Causes of Inter Provincial Disputes after the Water Accord.................................................................8
1. Punjab and Sindh:.........................................................................................................................8
1.1. Less Allocation of Water:......................................................................................................8
1.2. Construction of New Storage Sites.......................................................................................8
2. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:......................................................................................8
PAKISTAN’S INTERNATIONAL WATER RELATED ISSUES........................................................8
1. India................................................................................................................................................8
2. Water Issues With Afghanistan:...................................................................................................8
WAY FORWARD – NATIONAL LEVEL ACTIONS...........................................................................9
1. Construction of New Dams:..........................................................................................................9
2. Promoting Inter-Provincial Water Cooperation.........................................................................9
2.1. Establishment of an Effective Conflict Resolution Mechanism:........................................9
2.2. Consensus on Development of New Water Storage Reservoirs:.........................................9
2.3. Strengthening and Empowering of IRSA:...........................................................................9
2.4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Water Usage:.......................................................................9
2.5. Allowing Provinces to Market Excess Water:.....................................................................9
3. Efficient Supply Side Water Management:...............................................................................10
 3.1. Rainwater Harvesting:........................................................................................................10
3.2. Re-Use of Waste Water:......................................................................................................10
3.3. Mechanism to Manage Number of Tube Wells:................................................................10
4. Regulating the Demand Side Water Management:...................................................................10
4.1. Linking Research and Development in Technology with Water Management:..............10
5. A System of Financial Incentives / Penalties:............................................................................10
5.1. Incentives:.............................................................................................................................10
5.2. Penalties:..............................................................................................................................11
6. Water Treaty with Afghanistan..................................................................................................11
7. Miscellaneous Solutions:.............................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................11
BIBLIOGRAPHY...................................................................................................................................12
 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN

INTRODUCTION:
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world with unparalleled growth of around
1.75% every year (World Bank, 2022b). The IMF report 2021 quotes Pakistan’s annual water
availability as 1,017 cubic meters, which is alarmingly close to scarcity levels of 1,000 cubic
meters.   Reports published by Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) as
well as United Nations Development Program (UNDP) warn that the country will reach absolute
water scarcity by 2025. Despite the fact that the country has ample of water resources, serious
water crisis has turned out to be a writing on the wall. As a matter of fact, water resources are not
the real problem but in fact issue lies with effective water resources management fundamentally.
Pakistan has to strictly adhere with its ‘National Water Policy 2018.’

Countries across the globe including the US, Egypt, China, India among others have ensured the
water capacity up to 900, 700, 600, and 170 days respectively. However, Pakistan has merely a
capacity of 30 days according to Muzamil Hussain, former Chairmen Water and Power
Development Authority (WAPDA). In order to overcome impending water scarcity, the country
needs to focus on effective strategies of water resources management. In this relation, water
conservation occupies the central position. Accordingly, construction of dams and efficient use
of water need to be key policy framework for the long-term and medium-term planning.

Statistics related to Water Availability in Pakistan

AVAILABLE WATER RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN
Water can come from two primary sources: natural and artificial. The natural sources of water
encompass various elements such as rainfall, rivers, glaciers, ponds, lakes, streams, karez, and
wells. Artificial resources are comprised of the surface water from rainfall and rivers -- which is
in excess of the requirements for irrigation and other uses -- is stored in dams and reservoirs.

1- Rainfall
There are basically two main sources of rainfall in Pakistan namely Monsoon and Western
Disturbances, but 70% of rainfall comes from Monsoon.
 2- Glaciers
Pakistan has around 13680 sq km of glacial area which forms 3% of mountainous region of
upper Indus Basin and forms major part of river runoff. Pakistan has huge mass of around 7000
glaciers.

3- Rivers and Dams

Pakistan has been blessed with five mighty rivers including Indus, Jhelum and Chenab in
western and Ravi, Beas and Sutlej in eastern part along with three minor rivers like Haro, Soan
and Siran. The Indus river system in addition to tributaries provide approximately 145 Million
Acre Feet (MAF) of water. Precisely 104 MAF is utilized for irrigation and roughly 39 MAF
flows to Arabian sea and about 10 MAF is consumed by the system losses predominantly in
seepage.

Pakistan has total storage capacity of 13 MAF which is in continuous decline owing to siltation.
The total capacity of the country is merely 30days. It forms only 10% storage capacity of total
water budget. New dams are in pipeline which are tended to double the storage capacity of the
country.

4- Groundwater in Pakistan
The groundwater system below the earth in Pakistan’s flowing rivers in the Indus plains has at
least 400 million acre feet (MAF) of untouched water. This storage is so big that it is comparable
to more than three years of the average annual flow of the Indus (or 1,000 days of storage, after
excluding polluted areas). This should now be considered as key source in planning of Pakistan’s
water resources.
EXISTING WATER RESOURCES AND PROBLEMS- ANALYSIS
1- Decline in Water Availability Vis a Vis Demands:
Water availability has declined spirally. Since gaining independence in 1947, the available water
supply has decreased from 5300 m3 to 1000 m3. Similarly, exponentially growing population
has also applied pressure on available water resources.
2- Declining Storage Capacity of Existing Water Reservoirs:
The water stored in these reservoirs is essential for the agricultural sector, which serves as the
lifeline of the country. According to statistics provided by WAPDA, the storage capacity of these
reservoirs has decreased by over 22% due to siltation and deforestation.
3- Climate Change Effects on Glaciers:
Studies on climate change show a speedy melting of glaciers. Pakistan -- during last 40 years --
has seen 0.76°C increase in overall temperature which is huge number. The gradual increase in
temperature that is currently underway has the potential to accelerate the melting of glaciers,
which could have negative impacts on our water supply.
4- Limited Storage Facility:
In comparison to other arid countries around the world, Pakistan has a much lower water storage
capacity (equivalent to only 10% of inflows) and per capita storage (less than 100 m3).
5- Tube Well Irrigation – A Serious Exploitation of Ground Water:
Over the past 50 years, the severe scarcity of water resources has resulted in a significant
increase in the use of tube-well irrigation. More than 1.2 million tube-wells have been set up in
Punjab alone. The unchecked and widespread utilization of tube wells by individuals and
businesses, without any governmental regulations, is leading to a significant depletion of
groundwater resources.
PAKISTAN’S INTER PROVINCIAL WATER MANAGEMENT
CHALLENGES
1- Major Agreements Regulating Interprovincial Water Distribution:

1.1. Tripartite Agreement & Indus Discharge Committee (1921): Agreements were
signed in order to resolve disputes related to water distribution between Punjab,
Bahawalpur, and Bikaner State.
1.2. Rao Commission (1945): Established against the backdrop of the Government of India
Act, 1935, the purpose of the committee was to address renewed disputes over water
distribution between Punjab and Sindh.
1.3. The Water Apportionment Accord (WAA) 1991: Following the initiation of the
Tarbela Dam Project in 1977, conflicts over water resources between various provinces
began to intensify. However, an inter-provincial agreement took place on 16 March
1991. This agreement has two significant characteristics:
1.3.1. Existing usage of Canal Water by each province was protected.
1.3.2. Balance of river supplies (including flood surpluses) was apportioned.

2- Establishment of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) In the backdrop of Water

Accord of 1991:
IRSA was established in 1993 for regulating and monitoring distribution of water resources
of provinces in accord with the agreement. It has representation of all provincesThe
responsibility of IRSA is to oversee the allocation of water resources between provinces,
whereas the distribution of water within each province is managed by the provincial
government

Causes of Inter Provincial Disputes after the Water Accord

1. Punjab and Sindh: Most dominant inter provincial water issue remains between upper
riparian Punjab and lower riparian Sindh.

1.1. Less Allocation of Water: Sindh accuses Punjab of gaining an additional 8 MAF of
water in contravention to established terms and conditions.
1.2. Construction of New Storage Sites: The biggest disagreement between Punjab, Sindh
(including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) lies in the clause relating to construction of new
storage dams. Punjab interprets this clause in favor of constructing Kala Bagh Dam.

2. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: As a lower riparian of Sindh, Balochistan accuses

Sindh of consuming its portion of allocated water. Similarly, KPK insists that a sizable
quantity of its water share is consumed by Punjab due to unauthorized irrigation of Kaccha
areas.

PAKISTAN’S INTERNATIONAL WATER RELATED ISSUES

1. India
  Pakistan and India have been embroiled in disputes over possession and utilization of
water resources courtesy owing to a highly unjustified boundary demarcation process.
 India has kept on building new reservoirs in contradiction with agreement to make the
country food insecure.
 The famous Indus Water Treaty enacted in 1960, lays down privileges and obligations of
water resources for both the countries.
2. Water Issues With Afghanistan:
The Kabul river basin includes areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has been divided into five
major regions. The river originates from the Konar hydrologic region on the Pakistani side, then
flows into the Afghan part of the Konar hydrological region before re-entering Pakistan at
Attock. This location provides Pakistan with a exclusive status i.e. both as upper and lower
riparian. Recently Afghanistan has constructed Salma Dam on Kabul river which has decreased
flow inside Pakistan. The dam is supposed to decrease the flow of 5 MAF in Indus River System

WAY FORWARD – NATIONAL LEVEL ACTIONS

1. Construction of New Dams: According to the Indus River System Authority, inadequate
storage facilities lead to a wastage of approximately $21 billion worth of water each year in
Pakistan. It was said by Wapda Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Muzammil Hussain that Diamer
Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, Nai Gaj Dam, Kachhi Canal
Extension are under construction which would supplement gross water storage capacity in
Pakistan from 13 million acre feet (MAF) to more than 24 MAF. Moreover, other water
reservoirs must be planned for future to ensure sustainable growth.

2. Promoting Inter-Provincial Water Cooperation In view of numerous challenges posed to

our national cohesion, Inter provincial harmony on the distribution of water resources is
extremely important at point in time. Few of the recommended steps are appended below:

2.1. Establishment of an Effective Conflict Resolution Mechanism: It is necessary to

establish a “Conflict Resolution Framework” at the IRSA level that is effective,
independent, and empowered, with equal representation from all provinces, to address
disputes over water resources. The Conflict Resolution Framework should also include a
"Technical Council" made up of leading national experts in the field, whose role would
be to address conflicting issues.
2.2. Consensus on Development of New Water Storage Reservoirs: The construction of
new water reservoirs and the acceleration of ongoing projects should be given high
priority, but it is important to involve all provinces in the process and gain their trust and
support. A "neutral" discussion involving legislative assemblies, intellectuals, media,
and all stakeholders should be initiated at the national level regarding the construction of
the Kalabagh dam. The goal of this effort should be to identify a solution to the issue
 The possibility of engaging an international team of experts to conduct an unbiased
evaluation of the process should also be taken into consideration.
2.3. Strengthening and Empowering of IRSA: While IRSA has been successful in
building trust among provinces in the allocation and management of water resources, its
effectiveness in conflict resolution has been limited. This is due to the dominance of
larger provinces in the Council of Common Interests (CCI), which has the sole authority
to make decisions on such matters. To address this, it is recommended that a third party
(preferably international) be engaged to conduct a thorough analysis of IRSA's role.
2.4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Water Usage: The application of technology, such as
GIS and telemetry systems, can aid in identifying areas where water is being overused or
misused. Similarly, if a third party monitors the quantity of water inflows and outflows,
it can help reduce trust deficits among provinces.
2.5. Allowing Provinces to Market Excess Water: It is recommended to include a
provision in the Water Accord of 1991 that permits provinces to sell their surplus water.
This measure is expected to provide a dual benefit: firstly, it will incentivize provinces to
conserve water, and secondly, it will generate additional revenue as a result of water
conservation.

3. Efficient Supply Side Water Management:

3.1. Rainwater Harvesting: Pakistan currently utilizes only 20% of its primary water
source, i.e., rainwater, whereas advanced countries utilize up to 98% of it for various
purposes. It is recommended that the government invest in this promising opportunity to
ensure the availability of the required amount of water.
3.2. Re-Use of Waste Water: At present, Pakistan is utilizing only 1% of treated sewage and
industrial wastewater. The governments should enforce strict regulations on industries to
install treatment plants and ensure the recycling of water. This approach will not only
contribute to the availability of water for usage but also help in reusing wastewater.
3.3. Mechanism to Manage Number of Tube Wells: The extensive installation of tube
wells, particularly in Punjab, has had a detrimental impact on the groundwater supply.
To address this issue, the government must regulate the installation of tube wells by
assessing both the user demands and the groundwater availability in the region.
4. Regulating the Demand Side Water Management:
The concept mainly involves regulating actions taken by the users, which are more cost-effective
and less time-consuming than the "Supply Side" options. Below are some examples:
4.1. Linking Research and Development in Technology with Water Management:
4.1.1. It is recommended to establish a department within IRSA, equipped with
necessary technology to share crucial information related to weather forecasting,
suitable cropping patterns, and other related data.
4.1.2. Crops requiring lesser water may be replaced with high water consuming crops.
 4.1.3. Local universities should develop mobile applications to provide information to
farmers about suitable crops, planting times, quantities, and suitable markets for
selling

5. A System of Financial Incentives / Penalties:

5.1. Incentives:
5.1.1. Agriculture sector can get subsidies on LASER land levelling, installation of drip
irrigation and improving field/farm infrastructure aimed at water conservation.
5.1.2. Domestic users may get subsides on using new water efficient fittings in
household usage like washrooms, kitchens and replacing leaking pipes etc.
5.1.3. Industrial sector can be given payback options in case a substantial reduction in
water usage is observed. Incentives may increase if their treatment plants are
working efficiently.
5.1.4. Education institutes be given specific areas for running awareness campaigns
about water conservation. They may be given special incentives / grants in case of
reduction in water usage in their respective area.

5.2. Penalties:
5.2.1. Agriculture sector may receive financial penalties for excessive / misuse or
wastage of water of canals or tube wells.
5.2.2. Domestic users can be imposed penalties on wasting water in the form of leakages
excessive usage for floor washing, gardening.
5.2.3. Industrial sectors be imposed penalties for wastage / excessive usage of water and
non-treatment of wasted water.

6. Water Treaty with Afghanistan:

It is suggested that the Pakistani government should establish a water sharing agreement with
Afghanistan as there is currently no such agreement in place. Delay in this process may result in
Pakistan losing access to its valuable water resources due to the ongoing power projects in
Afghanistan with the assistance of India.
7. Miscellaneous Solutions:
7.1. Improving application and conveyance efficiency of via canal and watercourse
improvement
7.2. Using high efficiency irrigation methods especially furrow and pressurized irrigation
system including sprinkler and drip irrigation
7.3. Restricting high delta crops such as Rice and sugarcane to high rainfall regions
7.4. Using saline water in conjunction with canal water especially adopting soil better soil
and crop management techniques
7.5. Improving farm layout and levelling of fields.
7.6. Lining of irrigation canals at critical patches.
CONCLUSION
Pakistan is currently facing a growing number of water security concerns, which are expected to
worsen due to a rapidly expanding population, the adverse effects of climate change, and poor
management of existing water resources. Interprovincial disputes, particularly between Sindh
and Punjab, persist due to a lack of trust between the federal and provincial governments, poor
policy implementation, and insufficient storage capacity. The federal government faces a
challenge in addressing interprovincial disputes, particularly between Sindh and Punjab, which
arise every cropping year. The ever-increasing water security issues in Pakistan due to the
growing population, negative impacts of climate change, and inefficient management of water
resources make it imperative for the government to introduce policies that address equity, storage
issues, environmental sustainability, and sustained economic development while ensuring water
security. In the short term, limiting water shortages and adopting modern irrigation technologies
by regulating and altering water-use behavior can pave the way for improved economic growth
and development in the long term.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hussain, A. (2022, May 17). To save Pakistan, look under its rivers | The Third Pole.

World Bank Group. (2021, March 25). Managing Groundwater Resources in Pakistan’s Indus Basin.

Ishaque, W., Mukhtar, M., & Tanvir, R. (2023). Pakistan’s water resource management: Ensuring water
security for sustainable development.

Khan, A. B. (2022, May 12). Tragedy of the commons: T-3 years to Pakistan’s water crisis.

Times, P. (2016b, July 17). Climate Change and Glacier Melting: A Case Study on Retreating Karakoram
Glaciers, Pakistan.

Ahmed, A., Iftikhar, H., & Chaudhry, G. M. (2007f). Water Resources and Conservation Strategy of
Pakistan. The Pakistan Development Review, 46(4II), 997–1009.

Mustafa, K. (2016, June 4). India out to damage Pakistan’s water interests on Kabul river. The News
International.

Sattar, E. (2020). Pakistan’s fundamental water governance challenges – and how to overcome them.
Rethinking Pakistan,

Correspondent, O. (2021, October 16). WAPDA to add 11.7 MAF water, 9,000MW power by 2029:
Chairman.
World Bank (2022b). Population, total—Pakistan | data. The World Bank Population Data.
Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=PK.