Balochistan Faces Acute Drinking Water Shortage Due to Out-of-Order Filtration Plants

Balochistan’s Drinking Water Crisis Worsens as Filtration Plants Remain Non-Functional

QUETTA: An Escalating Water Scarcity Problem

Balochistan is grappling with an acute shortage of clean drinking water as a majority of the province’s water filtration plants remain non-functional. This crisis has left a vast segment of the population struggling to access potable water, increasing health risks and public frustration.

According to civil society representatives, only 25% of Balochistan’s residents have access to clean drinking water. This dire situation has prompted citizens to urge the government to take swift action in restoring the malfunctioning filtration plants across the province.

Government’s Response: A Plan for Immediate Restoration

A Balochistan government official, while speaking to APP, assured that authorities have prioritized the rehabilitation of non-functional water filtration plants. “Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has instructed concerned officials to restore all out-of-order filtration plants within a month,” he said.

The government recognizes the severity of the water crisis and has allocated additional resources to expedite the repair and maintenance of these crucial facilities. Furthermore, the salaries of water filtration plant operators have been increased to ensure better maintenance and efficiency.

Factors Contributing to the Water Crisis

The drinking water shortage in Balochistan is not a recent phenomenon. Several factors have contributed to the worsening situation:

• Lack of Proper Maintenance – Many filtration plants have fallen into disrepair due to inadequate servicing and technical oversight.
• Groundwater Depletion – Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a significant reduction in water levels.
• Climate Change Impact – Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts have further strained the water supply.
• Insufficient Infrastructure – Many rural and semi-urban areas lack the necessary pipelines and water distribution networks.

Public Reaction: Calls for Swift Action

Local residents and activists have raised concerns over the government’s delayed response to the water crisis. “The lack of access to clean water is a fundamental issue that affects health, hygiene, and overall quality of life,” said a Quetta-based social worker.

Many citizens are forced to rely on unsafe water sources, leading to an increase in waterborne diseases. Residents have urged the government to not only restore the filtration plants but also implement long-term solutions for sustainable water management in Balochistan.

Future Prospects: Steps Toward a Sustainable Water Supply

The Balochistan government has initiated several measures to address the ongoing water crisis, including:

• Rapid Rehabilitation of Water Filtration Plants – Authorities aim to restore all malfunctioning plants within a month.
• Operational Tube Wells – Efforts are being made to keep tube wells functional and ensure scheduled water supply.
• Expansion of Water Supply Schemes – The Public Health Department is working on various water supply projects across the province.
• Utilization of Alternative Water Sources – The government is exploring desalination and rainwater harvesting to augment water supply.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent and Long-Term Solutions

The water crisis in Balochistan highlights the urgent need for effective governance, proper infrastructure, and sustainable water management policies. While the government has committed to restoring filtration plants and improving supply mechanisms, consistent monitoring and long-term planning are crucial for resolving the issue permanently.

For more updates on water management issues in Pakistan, check out our latest reports on sustainable water solutions and climate change adaptation strategies.