LCCI Calls for Urgent Action on Water Scarcity and Kalabagh Dam Construction

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Severity of Pakistan’s Water Crisis
3. The Importance of Kalabagh Dam
4. Economic and Agricultural Impacts
5. Cholistan’s Water Crisis and the Need for a Canal
6. Other Water Conservation Measures
7. The Role of Diplomacy in Water Security
8. Conclusion and Call to Actio

Introduction

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s worsening water crisis. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent economic, agricultural, and environmental disasters. One of their key demands is the urgent construction of the Kalabagh Dam, a crucial water storage and hydroelectric project.

The Severity of Pakistan’s Water Crisis

Pakistan is facing a dire water shortage, with nearly 35 million acre-feet (MAF) of water being wasted annually due to insufficient reservoirs. The country’s water storage capacity is alarmingly low, meeting only 30 days of demand, while international standards recommend at least 120 days. This shortfall poses a severe threat to agriculture, energy production, and the overall economy.

The Importance of Kalabagh Dam

The LCCI leadership stressed that opposition to Kalabagh Dam is based on misconceptions. The dam’s construction would benefit all provinces, ensuring water availability for Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Key advantages include:

• Storage of 6.1 MAF of water to reduce wastage.
• Generation of 3,600MW of hydroelectric power, decreasing reliance on costly thermal energy.
• Improved agricultural irrigation, leading to better crop yields.
• Mitigation of flood risks by controlling excessive water flow.

Economic and Agricultural Impacts

A lack of proper water storage results in reduced agricultural productivity, which directly affects food security and exports. Without adequate irrigation, farmers struggle to grow essential crops, leading to:

• Lower yields of wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
• Increased food prices due to supply shortages.
• Loss of agricultural jobs, worsening unemployment rates.

Cholistan’s Water Crisis and the Need for a Canal

LCCI highlighted the severe water scarcity in Cholistan, where prolonged droughts have devastated agriculture and livestock. They urged the government to prioritize the Cholistan Canal Project, which would:

• Provide a sustainable water supply for the region.
• Prevent desertification and maintain arable land.
• Ensure livelihoods for thousands of residents.

Other Water Conservation Measures

In addition to Kalabagh Dam, LCCI emphasized the need for modern water management techniques, including:

• Drip irrigation systems to maximize efficiency.
• Wastewater treatment for reuse in agriculture.
• Canal lining to reduce seepage and loss.
• Public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation.

The Role of Diplomacy in Water Security

LCCI also stressed the need for fair water-sharing agreements with neighboring countries. They called for stronger diplomatic efforts under the Indus Waters Treaty to ensure Pakistan receives its fair share of water resources.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture where immediate action is required to address the looming water crisis. The construction of Kalabagh Dam, completion of the Cholistan Canal, and implementation of advanced water conservation methods are essential to ensuring sustainable water management.

The LCCI urges the government, policymakers, and stakeholders to set aside political differences and work collectively to secure Pakistan’s water future. Water is the foundation of our survival, and the time to act is now.

Internal Links:

• How Water Scarcity Affects Pakistan’s Agriculture
• The Role of Hydroelectric Power in Economic Stability

External Links:

• Indus Waters Treaty Explained
• Pakistan’s Water Scarcity Crisis

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