Youth Engagement on Water Governance is Vital: Dr. Shakeel Hayat
Strong political will is needed for the implementation of national water policy designed for water conservation: Dr. Shakeel Hayat,
- Youth engagement on water governance is vital: Dr. Shakeel Hayat
- Strong political will is needed for the implementation of national water policy designed for water conservation: Dr. Shakeel Hayat
Islamabad: Strong political will is needed for the implementation of national water policy designed for water conservation as Pakistan faces acute water crisis, said Dr. Shakeel Hayat, a distinguished expert in water governance and climate change at WaterAid.Org, a UK-based Charity organisation working for water sustainability.
“Legislation on water is essential to save Pakistan from water scarcity in 2025”, Dr. Shakeel made these remarks while speaking at a seminar on “water governance and climate change” hosted by NUST Economics Society (NES) on Wednesday in Islamabad.
Speaking on challenges for effective water governance, he said, “lack of coordination among the provincial and federal government bodies is major a factor behind poor water governance in Pakistan”.
“National water policy needs proper implementation to combat the rising water scarcity”, he stressed.
He also added by saying “drinking water pressures, both in the provincial and federal capitals, will increase in future”.
Commenting the environmental crisis in Islamabad, he said, property developers of Islamabad societies and towns have ignored environment policies, leading to disastrous environmental degradation in the green valley of Margalla Hills.
On the measures for water conservation, Dr. Shakeel said water harvesting can be a safeguard against mounting water scarcity amid increasing urbanization around the country.
“Planned urbanization can help in water conservation”, he added.
“Nature-based solutions can help in avoiding water wastage, and improving waste governance in Pakistan, he suggested.
Speaking on water treatment mechanisms applied in Pakistan, he said water infrastructure is redundant in country, leading to abundance of water wastage.
Reflecting on water problems in Karachi, he said Illegal water-lords are manipulating water shortages in Karachi for their vested interests.
On the local solutions for the water governance, he said indigenous culture and practices can also provide valuable solutions for the water conservation. “the old customs have better guidelines to revitalize the water conservation channels in the country”, he commented.
About green jobs in Pakistan, he said work force for green economy is in high demand across the world wherein youth with climate change orientation and digital skill-set can find career opportunities.
Digital power can bring change in society, suggesting, mentorship of youth on water governance for water conservation, he emphasized youth engagement on water-related policy making processes, water governance and water emergency.
The interactive session was attended by faculty, researchers and students.
