Alarming Water Management Crisis in Pakistan: Businessman Warns of 1.5 MAF Wastage
A prominent businessman has warned of Pakistan’s worsening water management crisis, highlighting 1.5 MAF wastage at Kotri Barrage. He urges urgent reforms to secure food, economy, and climate resilience.
Water management has become one of Pakistan’s most pressing national challenges. At a recent address in Lahore, leading businessman S M Tanveer expressed alarm over the massive wastage of Pakistan’s precious water resources. He highlighted that approximately 1.5 million acre-feet (MAF) of water was wasted in just seven days from the Kotri Barrage— an amount that could have irrigated 16.4 million acres of land for an entire year.
This shocking revelation underscores the inefficiencies plaguing Pakistan’s water sector and signals the urgent need for reforms to ensure food security, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.
Massive Wastage at Kotri Barrage
According to official data, water discharge levels at Kotri Barrage reflect severe mismanagement:
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171,846 cusecs on August 9, 2025
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71,227 cusecs on August 18, 2025
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81,088 cusecs on August 19, 2025
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113,717 cusecs on August 20, 2025
Instead of channeling this water towards irrigation, conservation, or storage, much of it flowed downstream into the sea.
“These data points are a stark reminder of how badly we are failing at water management,” Tanveer stated.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
The wasted water represents lost opportunities for:
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Boosting agricultural production
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Increasing crop yields for wheat, rice, and cotton
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Creating rural employment
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Reducing food imports and strengthening Pakistan’s trade balance
Pakistan’s agriculture contributes around 23% to GDP and provides employment to 40% of the workforce. Yet, poor water management remains a bottleneck.
Instead of focusing only on debates over mega dams and canals, Tanveer emphasized the need to optimize existing systems, reduce wastage, and support farmers with better irrigation infrastructure.
Role of IRSA and Water Distribution
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) plays a crucial role in distributing water among Pakistan’s provinces. However, poor coordination and inefficient practices have repeatedly led to disputes and waste.
Improved water governance, transparent data sharing, and technological monitoring could help Pakistan overcome inter-provincial tensions while reducing losses.
Business Leaders Call for Urgent Reforms
As Patron of the United Business Group (UBG), Tanveer urged the government to prioritize:
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Investment in water conservation infrastructure
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Introduction of efficient irrigation practices like drip and sprinkler systems
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Technological innovation in monitoring water flow
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Capacity building for farmers and communities
He warned that without serious reforms, Pakistan risks jeopardizing both its food security and economic stability.
Climate Change and Water Scarcity
Climate change has further intensified Pakistan’s water crisis. Unpredictable rainfall, shrinking glaciers, and recurring droughts have left the country vulnerable.
Pakistan is already ranked among the top 5 most climate-vulnerable countries according to the Global Climate Risk Index (Germanwatch Report).
With a population of over 240 million, the demand for water continues to surge while supplies shrink. Without urgent steps to improve water management, the crisis may escalate into food insecurity, social unrest, and economic slowdown.
Solutions for Effective Water Management
Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach to fix Pakistan’s water management problems:
1. Optimize Existing Barrages and Canals
Instead of focusing only on new dams, Pakistan should upgrade its canals, barrages, and storage capacity to minimize wastage.
2. Invest in Water Conservation Infrastructure
Construction of small and medium reservoirs, recharge dams, and rainwater harvesting systems can help store excess water.
3. Introduce Modern Irrigation Techniques
Shifting from flood irrigation to drip irrigation and sprinklers can save up to 40% water in agriculture.
4. Strengthen Institutional Capacity
IRSA and provincial irrigation departments need better coordination, transparency, and digital monitoring systems.
5. Empower Farmers and Local Communities
Providing training, subsidies, and technology to farmers can enable more efficient use of water.
6. Leverage Technology and AI
Smart water meters, sensors, and AI-based forecasting can help regulate water demand and prevent wastage.
Internal and External Links
For deeper insights into Pakistan’s climate-water challenges, readers can also explore:
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The water management crisis in Pakistan is no longer a distant threat; it is an urgent national emergency. The wastage of 1.5 million acre-feet at Kotri Barrage is proof of the inefficiencies crippling the system.
If Pakistan is to achieve food security, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth, policymakers must act now. By improving water management practices, empowering farmers, and leveraging technology, Pakistan can turn this crisis into an opportunity for progress.
As Tanveer powerfully stated:
“By implementing efficient practices, developing infrastructure and technologies to conserve water, and providing support to farmers and agricultural communities, we can unlock the true potential of our water resources and drive economic growth, food security, and prosperity for our nation.”
