Pakistan Undergoing Severe Water Shortage in Indus River System

LAHORE – Pakistan is currently experiencing a severe water shortage in the Indus River system, leading to significant negative impacts on major dams within the country’s irrigation system. This crisis is critically affecting Pakistan’s agriculture sector, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. Without a viable solution, the country risks severe economic setbacks, food insecurity, and energy shortages.

In light of this crisis, experts emphasize the urgency of constructing the Kalabagh Dam, an internationally recognized and approved project. If implemented, this multi-purpose dam could play a key role in revitalizing Pakistan’s struggling economy by improving water storage and hydropower generation.

The Importance of the Kalabagh Dam Project

The Kalabagh Dam Project is a multi-purpose hydropower and water storage project with the potential to make a major breakthrough in addressing Pakistan’s ongoing water crisis. The dam has a storage capacity of 6.1 MAF (Million Acre Feet) and a hydropower generation potential of 3600 megawatts, offering an affordable and sustainable energy solution.

Declining Water Availability in Pakistan

Pakistan’s per capita water availability has dropped by 406% from 5,260 cubic meters in 1951 to 1,078 cubic meters in 2010. With rapid population growth and fast-depleting reservoirs due to siltation, Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a water-scarce country. Without proper water conservation measures, the country could face famine-like conditions in the near future, potentially leading to civil unrest.

Economic Losses Due to the Absence of Kalabagh Dam

The failure to construct the Kalabagh Dam has already cost Pakistan billions in economic losses, negatively impacting the lives of millions of people. Below are some major economic repercussions:

• Agricultural Impact: With the 6 MAF water storage capacity of Kalabagh Dam, Pakistan could have produced 9.6 million tons of additional wheat annually, valued at Rs230 billion at current market prices.
• Cheaper Electricity Generation: The dam could generate 3,600 megawatts (MW) of hydropower, potentially saving Rs200 billion annually on electricity costs while reducing inflation and national debt.
• Gas Resource Preservation: If operational since 1993, the Kalabagh Dam could have saved 2,737 billion cubic feet of gas by 2010 by reducing reliance on gas-powered thermal generation.
• Daily Economic Losses: The absence of the dam costs Rs1 billion per day in lost potential revenue, further exacerbating unemployment, inflation, and economic instability.
• Flood Damage Reduction: Pakistan has suffered over $12 billion in flood losses that could have been mitigated had the Kalabagh Dam been in place. With increasing flood risks due to climate change, the dam is more crucial than ever.

Climate Change and Future Water Scarcity

Pakistan is among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing extreme weather patterns, including floods and droughts. The Indus River system, which supplies over 90% of Pakistan’s agricultural water, is at risk of depletion. Without new water conservation infrastructure, including large dams like Kalabagh, Pakistan could face prolonged water shortages and catastrophic economic consequences.

Opposition and Controversies Surrounding Kalabagh Dam

Despite its economic and environmental benefits, the Kalabagh Dam has been a controversial project. Some provincial stakeholders have opposed the dam due to concerns about water distribution, potential displacement, and political interests. However, experts argue that these concerns can be addressed through an equitable water-sharing framework, ensuring all provinces benefit from the dam’s construction.

International Recognition of Kalabagh Dam’s Feasibility

The World Bank and other international organizations have acknowledged Kalabagh as a feasible and crucial project for Pakistan’s water security. Given Pakistan’s worsening water crisis, ignoring this internationally approved project could lead to severe socio-economic consequences.

Urgent Call for Action

Given the mounting water crisis, Pakistan must prioritize the construction of the Kalabagh Dam. The project offers a sustainable solution to:

• Enhance water storage capacity
• Improve agricultural productivity
• Provide cheaper electricity
• Prevent flood-related damage
• Secure Pakistan’s water and food security

If Pakistan delays further, it risks plunging into an even deeper economic and environmental crisis. The time to act is now.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The ongoing water crisis in the Indus River system demands immediate attention. The Kalabagh Dam is a necessary solution to counteract economic losses, prevent agricultural decline, and stabilize the national power supply. While controversies persist, a well-structured policy ensuring fair water distribution could make this project a reality.

For further insights into Pakistan’s water and energy policies, read our related articles:

• The Role of Hydropower in Pakistan’s Energy Sector
• Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan’s Agriculture
• How Water Scarcity is Threatening Pakistan’s Food Security

Let’s join hands in advocating for sustainable water solutions to safeguard Pakistan’s future.

External References:

1. World Bank Report on Pakistan’s Water Scarcity
2. Pakistan’s Energy Crisis and Hydropower Solutions
3. UN Climate Change Report on South Asia