Water Management in Balochistan: Challenges and Solutions

Executive Summary

Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, faces critical water scarcity due to its arid to semi-arid climate. With limited surface water resources, the region relies heavily on groundwater extracted through karezes, springs, streams, and tubewells. However, overexploitation has led to groundwater depletion, particularly in urban areas.

While Baluchistan receives an annual surface water allocation of 5 billion cubic meters (m3) under the National Water Accord, this is insufficient to meet agricultural and domestic demands. Uncontrolled tubewell installations have exacerbated groundwater mining, creating an urgent need for sustainable water management policies. To address this crisis, strategies such as groundwater conservation, improved governance, recharge techniques, and efficient irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems must be prioritized.

Introduction

Water plays a pivotal role in Baluchistan’s agriculture-driven economy, but the province suffers from chronic water shortages due to its desert climate and erratic rainfall. Traditional water sources such as karezes have historically met the region’s needs, but extensive use of tubewells has led to depletion and drying of these ancient irrigation systems. If water overextraction continues unchecked, the region faces the risk of severe water scarcity, affecting both human consumption and agricultural productivity.

Climate and Water Scarcity

Baluchistan experiences extreme temperature variations, with winter temperatures dropping as low as -12°C in Quetta and summer temperatures soaring to 51°C in Sibi. Average annual precipitation is only 100 mm, while evaporation rates range from 3,000 to 5,000 mm, exacerbating water loss. Over the decades, rainfall trends have declined, impacting the region’s water availability.

Land Utilization in Balochistan

Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of land use in Baluchistan, with cultivated land expanding over the years. However, limited water resources hinder sustainable agricultural growth. A comparative study of land utilization between 1983 and 1999 reveals an increase in sown areas, driven by tubewell irrigation, but also highlights the unsustainable reliance on groundwater.

Water Resources in Balochistan

1. Surface Water Resources

The province receives surface water through seasonal rivers and streams originating from highlands and mountain ranges. Despite flash floods covering vast areas, the absence of major storage dams prevents effective water conservation. Under the 1991 Water Accord, Balochistan receives a mere 5,000 million m3 of annual surface water allocation—far below its agricultural needs.

2. Groundwater Resources and Exploitation

Groundwater, extracted through tubewells, dug wells, and karezes, is a primary water source in Baluchistan. However, excessive tubewell drilling—especially in urban and agricultural zones—has led to severe groundwater depletion. Studies indicate that by 1998, 34.5% of irrigated land relied on groundwater, with tubewells alone accounting for 22.8%. Domestic water supplies also rely heavily on underground reserves.

The rapid increase in tubewell drilling over the past decades underscores the critical need for regulation. Between 1950 and 2000, over 3,274 government-installed tubewells were drilled, significantly lowering the water table.

The Impact of Groundwater Depletion

1. Agricultural Challenges: Declining water tables affect crop yields and increase production costs due to the need for deeper wells and more energy-intensive pumping systems.
2. Urban Water Shortages: Major cities, including Quetta, face drinking water shortages, leading to reliance on expensive water tankers.
3. Environmental Degradation: Over-extraction causes land subsidence, desertification, and ecosystem imbalances.

Sustainable Water Management Strategies

To mitigate water scarcity, the following measures are recommended:

1. Strengthening Water Governance

• Establish a Groundwater Development and Conservation Authority to regulate water usage.
• Enforce legislation limiting the number of tubewells and promoting water-efficient practices.

2. Recharge and Conservation Techniques

• Construct delayed-action dams, check dams, ponds, and dikes to enhance groundwater recharge.
• Revive and rehabilitate traditional karezes to support sustainable irrigation.

3. Efficient Irrigation Practices

• Promote drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to maximize water efficiency in agriculture.
• Encourage water harvesting techniques such as Khushkaba (rainwater harvesting) and Sailaba (floodwater irrigation).

4. Research and Technological Advancements

• Conduct hydrogeological studies to assess groundwater potential and ensure sustainable use.
• Implement remote sensing and GIS technologies for water resource monitoring and management.

Conclusion

Baluchistan’s water crisis requires immediate and coordinated action. Sustainable water management policies, technological innovations, and strict regulatory frameworks are essential to prevent groundwater depletion and ensure long-term water security. The establishment of a dedicated Water Management Authority, investment in groundwater recharge projects, and adoption of modern irrigation techniques can significantly improve water availability in the province. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for Baluchistan’s agricultural economy and its people.

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