Water Scarcity in Pakistan

8/6/2019 Water Scarcity in Pakistan

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NATIONAL MANAGEMENT COLLEGE, LAHORE

9th

SENIOR MANAGEMENT COURSE

INTER PROVINCIAL COMMISSION ON WATER MANAGEMENT AND

WATER DISTRIBUTION AMONGST THE PROVINCES OF PAKISTAN

Salman Choudhry PSP


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Table of Contents

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................3

Research Methodology ....................................................................................................................4

Terms of Reference ..........................................................................................................................5

History of Water Disputes ...............................................................................................................6

Indus River System Authority (IRSA) .............................................................................................8

Provincial irrigation Set up ............................................................................................................10

Draft Water Policy 14

Analysis.15

Recommendations..17


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1. Introduction:

Water plays an extremely important role in the economy of Pakistan which chiefly depends

on agriculture accounting for 24 % of the national GDP, 48 per cent employment and 70 per cent

of country's exports. Per capita availability of surface water is gradually dwindling from 5300cubic meters in 1951 to 1300 cubic meters in 2002 and is projected to hit 1000 cubic meters

making Pakistan a water short country as per the world standards in the next 10 years. Pakistan

has a total of 77 million acres of land suitable for agriculture out of which 54 million acres

(71per cent) is already cultivated. The remaining 23 million acres (29 per cent) can become

productive if water is made available for irrigation.

Irrigation in Pakistan mainly depends upon Indus river which has an average annual flow of

138 to 145 MAF (Some experts calculate this quantity as low as 123.5 MAF). Average water

flow downstream Kotri since 1977 has been 35 MAF on average and this can be termed as water

lost without any real benefit to the sector.

Some salient data useful for understanding the water sector is as1:

Key Facts

Major reservoirs 3

Barrages 16

Headwork 2

Interlink Canals 12

Canal Systems 44

Length of Watercourses 107,000 Kms

Length of Canals 56,073 Kms

Average Canal Water

Diversion

104.7 MAF

Groundwater Abstractions 41.6 MAF

Number of Tube wells 800,000Irrigated Area 44.5 million acres

Average Escapage to the sea 39.4 MAF

1Data collected from various sources.


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Schematic Diagram of Indus Basinis depicted in Figure 1.

2. Research Methodology:

There are two sources of research adopted by this Syndicate, they are identified as:Primary:

Year Book 2004-05 & 2005-06, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Water &Power.

The Indus Water Treaty 1960. Water Apportionment Accord 1991. National Water Policy Draft 2006. Vision 2030, Planning Commission, Islamabad. Economic Survey 2009-10. Interview with Mr. Rab Nawaz, Secretary Irrigation, Government of Punjab on

26-04-2011.

Interview with Mr. M. H. Siddiqi, Consultant Irrigation, Government of Punjabon 26-04-2011.

Interview with Mr. Tariq Hameed, ex Chairman WAPDA on 26-04-2011. Telephonic Interview with Ch. Muhammed Amin Chairman IRSA Islamabad on

26-04-2011.


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Interview with Syed Muhammed Ali Shah, GM Water, WAPDA on 27-04-2011.Secondary Sources:

Problems and Politics of Water Sharing and Management in Pakistan, edited byPervaiz Iqbal Cheema, Rashid Ahmed Khan & Ahmad Rashid Malik. Islamabad

Policy Research Institute (IPRI), 2007.

The Politics of Managing Water edited by Kaiser Bengali Oxford UniversityPress 2003.

Kala Bagh Dam and Sindh; A View Point by Muhammad Idris Rajput, SindhGraduates Association (SGA) April 2005.

Indus Water Treaty in Retrospect by Mr. Bashir A. Malik, Lahore 2005. Interview with Mr. Javed Majeed, ex Secretary Irrigation Punjab.

During the preparation of this write up, bottoms up strategy was adopted as a research

methodology is concerned. There is heavy reliance on interviews and informal sessions with the

officers to understand the dynamics and issues involved in this system. This analysis was then

related with the written reports and other documents to draw plans and recommendations.

3. Terms of Reference:

Following are the TORs which this Syndicate followed for their research:

1. To conduct critical appraisal of the water distribution & management structure.2. To have an overview of the various committees constituted for water distribution

amongst the provinces.

3. To analyze the role of IRSA and effective implementation of its decisions.4. To evaluate the water distribution and management perspective of each province.5. To study the Water Policy of the Government.6. To understand why Pakistan is suffering water losses and becoming water stressed

country.

7. To study what are the reasons of insufficient water storage capacity.8. To examine international best practices and their applicability in Pakistan.9. To understand the plans for improving water storage for the future.


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4. History of Water Disputes:

When the British finally overran the Indian Subcontinent in 1850, they realized the

agricultural potential of the subcontinent and initiated the first canal in 1856 in Punjab. The

effort was to increase the cultivable land and yield per acre. The first ever canal was Madhupur

canal from Sutlej near Ferozepur. During the the next 70 years the canal system was gradually

increased in the United Punjab till 1929 when the first ever dispute arose due to Sutlej Valley

Canal Project.

4.1 Darlay Committee:

When the Sutlej Valley Canal Project was launched, Sindh objected that its share in the

water from Indus River would be curtailed due to building of head works and canals on River

Sutlej which eventually falls into the River Indus. This Committee decided to build a barrage on

Indus on Sukkur. Thus Lloyd Barrage, now called Sukkur Barrage was made in 1932. It had 7

canals and has the capacity to distribute 44000 cusecs of water.

4.2 Anderson Committee:

In 1935 a new project was launched as Haveli Canal Project. It was planned to construct

a new barrage at Trimmu on River Chenab. Again Sindh objected that its share of water would

be disturbed as Chenab falls into Indus also. This Committee diligently sat and worked out a

formula for distribution of water which is also known as the Anderson Formula, between Sindh

and Punjab. This was the first ever water accord between two provinces in United India. This

formula served well for the next two decades. The project was completed in 1939

4.3 Rau Commission:

This commission was formed due due to misgivings showed by Sindh on the launch of

Thal Canal Project in 1942. The report was submitted in 1946, but no action was taken due to

looming partition. However in 1945 the Chief Engineers of Sindh and Punjab met separately and

worked out a Draft Agreement 1945. However both Governments rejected due to financial and

looming partition considerations. The Anderson formula was kept in motion.

4.4 Indus Water Treaty:

When India and Pakistan were created in 1947, a serious issue of water distribution arose

between the two neighbors. India stopped the eastern rivers namely Sutlej, Ravi and Beas

thereby leaving vast hinterland of Punjab in Pakistan without water. It was ultimately decided

that the two countries should conclude a treaty to solve this matter and in the intervening period


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the Anderson Formula would be used. Finally in 1960 Indus Water Treaty was signed under

sponsorship of World Bank. The Treaty has the following features:

1. The three eastern rivers; Sutlej, Beas and Ravi were granted to India. The westernrivers; Jehlum, Chenab and Indus were granted to Pakistan.

2. Pakistan would construct 2 dams, 7 new link canals and 6 head-works on the existingrivers, by 1970.

3. India has the right to develop power generation plants on the run of the river (westernrivers) without any storage.

4. There would be an independent commission to monitor the water availability andreport any violations.

5. In case of any dispute the matter would be referred for independent arbitration. Itsdecision would be treated as final.

4.5 Akhatar Hussain Committee:

This was constituted in 1968 to conclude a new water distribution agreement betweenSindh and Punjab after the Indus Water Treaty 1960. This report was rejected by Sindh in 1970

when one unit was abolished and the old provincial dispensation was reintroduced. The main

criticism was that Sindh felt that its rights were not given due consideration2.

4.6 Fazal-e-Akbar Committee:

In 1970 the federal government decided to resort to ad-hoc measures for water

distribution based on historic usage. It was also decided that till such time a new accord would be

agreed upon no new irrigation project would be initiated and this proved Achilles Heel for later

years as irrigation network became stagnant. This committee was formed in 1970 to settle the

matters but its report was rejected by Baluchistan Government. This report based its study on the

earlier Akhtar Hussain Committee.

4.7 Anwar ul Haq Commission:

This commission was formed in 1977 and it comprised the Chief Justices of all the High

Courts and Supreme Court. This commission laid a loose formula for distribution of water but

unfortunately could not complete the report.

4.8 Haleem Commission:

In 1982 another commission was created to settle the water distribution rights between

the provinces. This report picked up from where Anwar ul Haq Commission had left. This report

was shot down by the then NWFP Government.

2Another criticism was that Akhatr Hussain was from Punjab.


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1. Regulation and distribution of surface waters amongst the provinces according to theallocation and policies spelt out in the Water Accord 1991.

2. To settle any question that may arise between two or more provinces in respect ofdistribution of river and reservoir waters.

3. Any question in respect of implementation of Water Accord shall be settled by theAuthority by the votes of the majority of members and in case of an equality of votes

the Chairman shall have a casting vote.

4. A Provincial Government or the Water and Power Development Authority may, ifaggrieved by any decision of the Authority, make a reference to the Council of

Common Interests (CCI).3

5. Compile and review canal withdrawal indents as received from the provinces on 5daily or, as the case may be, on 10 daily basis and issue consolidated operational

directives to Water and Power Development Authority for making such releases from

reservoirs as the Authority may consider appropriate or consistent with the Water

Accord. Explanation: The directives issued under this clause shall be binding upon

Water and Power Development Authority and the provinces, and shall be followed in

letter and spirit

5.1 Issues:1. IRSA has been effective in dealing with the situation and is successful in dealing with

strong arm tactics of the water vicars of the provinces.

2. However in 2002 Gen. Musharaff made an erroneous decision which createdacrimony between the provinces especially Sindh & Punjab. He decided to nominate

federal representative exclusively from Sindh. This made the decision making in

IRSA heavily tilted towards Sindh. The Punjab Government objected to this decision

and has written to the federal government to nominate the federal representative from

AJK or Northern Areas. Yet no action has been taken on this issue4.

For this malady IRSA has agreed on a three tier formula:

Scenario I

Water Availability is less than Actual Average System Using 77-82 timeline

water to be Distributed as per 14 (b) of the WAA 1991

3Water Apportionment Accord 1991, Indus River System Authority, IRSA

4This fact was shared by the Irrigation Authorities in Punjab and IRSA.


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Scenario II

Water Availability is greater Actual Average System Using timeline 77-82, but

less than Para 2 of WAA 199, then the water is distributed on:

Actual Average System Uses are protected. Balance available as per Para 2 i.e. 10-daily approved by CCI.

Scenario III

When Water Availability is greater than Para 2 of WAA 1991, the water is

distributed as per:

Para 2 i.e. 10-daily approved by CCI are protected Balance as per Para 4 of the WAA 1991

3. IRSA has not been able to build any consensus on developing mega water reservoirsto increase the water storage capacity.

4. Despite these shortcomings IRSA has proved to be a useful forum to developconsensus on water distribution. It will hold its ground in the coming days.

5. The telemetry system is becoming controversial and needs either updating or newsystem.

6. Baluchistan & KP has still not developed their irrigation system to fully utilise theirshare of water.

7. IRSA should be made autonomous to achieve credibility and also remove ambiguitiesin WAA 1991.

6. Provincial Irrigation Set up:6.1 Punjab:

Punjabs irrigation system is one of the largest contiguous irrigation systems in the

country. The province occupies a pivotal role in Pakistan economic life and accounts for 80% of

Pakistan agriculture production. Over 90% of the agriculture output in Punjab comes from

irrigated land. The key facts are as:

PUNJAB IRRIGATION SYSTEM5

Head works & Barrages 13

Main Canals 25

Length of Main Canals & Branches 6389 Kms

Length of Distributaries & Minor Canals 30706 Kms

Length of Inter River Link Canals 845 Kms

Off Take Capacity of Main Canals 120,000 cusecs

Off Take Capacity of Link Canals 110,000 cusecs

Gross Command Area 23.35 million acres

5Data provided by Secretary Irrigation Government of Punjab.


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6.1.2 Issues:

1. Punjab feels that IRSA is not functioning on a proportionate basis as discussed in theabove sections.

2. The storage capacity of Terbala and Mangla has decreased considerably which isbadly affecting the irrigation system.

3. It is also realized that there is deterioration of the existing irrigation structures due toneglect and natural pressures; Floods and earthquakes and no investment is being

made in this regard.

4. There is overexploitation of underground water. The estimated water underground is35 MAF and we are using 29 MAF with only 21 MAF being replenished. There are

800,000 tube wells functioning in the provinces6.

5. The water rates do not measure the true economic value of water as an input. InKharif Rs. 84 per acre and in rabi season it is Rs. 50 per acre.

6. There is no effort to harvest rain water, and the Secretary Irrigation was veryemphatic that it can drastically reduce water scarcity especially in urban centres.

6.2 Sindh:

The irrigation system in Sindh is dependent of River Indus which provides the vital

lifeline for the province. Some basic data is as:

SINDH IRRIGATION SYSTEM7

Head works & Barrages 3

Main Canals 13

Length of Main Canals & Branches 6963 Kms

Length of Distributaries & Minor Canals 10599 Kms

Length of Inter River Link Canals 0

Off Take Capacity of Main Canals 138,210 cusecsOff Take Capacity of Link Canals 0

Gross Command Area 12.12 million acres

6.2.2 Issues:

1. Sindh feels that it gets less water due to:a. Present sharing arrangement.b. Exemption in sharing shortages given to KP and Baluchistan.

2. In early Kharif (cotton sowing period) Sindh gets less water due to:a. Storage in Mangla.b. Operation of Link Canals in Punjab.

3. Indus Delta is suffering due to inadequate fresh water flow and less nutrient richsilt coming from uphill. It estimates that it needs at least 35MAF to fall in Arabian

Sea to stop the sea incursion inland.

6The figures provided by Secretary Irrigation Punjab.

7Data provided by Secretary Irrigation Government of Punjab.


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4. The alternative irrigation techniques have not been adopted yet in the provinces.5. In Thar Desert some efforts have been undertaken to harvest rainwater. However

it is still in infancy stage.

6.3 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):

In this province the following are the facts of irrigation8

:IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN KP

Reservoirs 14

Flow irrigation schemes 83

Lift Irrigation Schemes 45

Irrigation Tube Wells 356

Average water withdrawals 6 MAF

Length of Canals 4,335 Kms

Command area 2.28 million acres

The irrigation system in KP is different than other provinces as indicated below:Canal Systems Length (Kms) Discharge (Cusecs) Area (acres)

Upper Swat Canal System 847 3,600 281,000

Lower Swat Canal System 311 1940 134,500

Pehur Main Canal System 123 250 44,888

Pehur High Level Canal System 26 1,000 10,531

Warsak Canal System 200 595 107,414

Kabul River Canal System 123 800 72,000

Tanda Dam Canal System 90 363 31,600

Marwat Canal System 269 800 170,500

Chashma Right Bank Canal 730 3,000 350,000

Bannu Canal Ssytem 258 600 107,500Total 2,974 12,948 1,201,833

6.3.3 Issues:

1. The KP Government is of the view that the storage capacity is dwindling fast andthis is putting stress on the Chashma Right Bank Canal System.

2. The recent flooding has damaged a vast irrigation network which is suffering dueto dearth of funding.

3. They also feel that the province lays in the catchment area of monsoon whichresults in flash floods. The river system like Swat River, Kunhar River and Kabul

River are relatively unguarded and do not have protective embankments. Thisadds to the ferocity of the flood waters as witnessed in 2010.

4. The KP Government has strong reservations on Kalabagh Dam, and it also feelsthat it has not been paid fully for the royalties of Terbala Dam.

8Irrigation Department, Government of KP.


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6.4 Baluchistan

Baluchistan is a water scarce province of Pakistan and is known as the 'fruit basket' of Pakistan

because of production of high quality fruit, which is the major source of income especially in the uplands

of the province. With largely arid to hyper-arid type of climate, the province spatially is the largest

province of Pakistan with a total land area of 347,000 sq km. The water resources of the province consist

of surface water and ground water; the source being precipitation alone. While perennial streams and

springs in the province are of small capacity with wide temporal variations in their discharge, most of the

natural streams (mandas) draining different catchments remain dry for a major part of the year. They, as

such, cannot be considered dependable sources of water for practicing sustainable agriculture and for

meeting crop water requirements.

Basic infrastructure is as follows9:

(Total area of Baluchistan is 83.376 million acres and 48.82 million acres is not fit for cultivation)

1971-72 1996-97 % Change

Canals 600,000 1,203,326 101%

Wells 9,600 31,051 223%

Tube-wells 45,600 563,601 1136%

Karez 67,200 188,520 -62%

Artificial Tanks 4,800 0 -100

1,159,200 1,986,499

6.4.1Issues:

1. Karez SystemKarez system is in shambles due to lower water table and tube wells. This system is

cost effective and can provide water all year around. The Government needs

additional storage capacity to lessen the reliance on tube wells.. Owing to this the area

irrigated by Karezes in Baluchistan has been declining steadily and has reportedly

decreased from 14.2% in 1980 to almost 5.5% in 2000 and now it is almost

negligible.

2. Tube wellsTube wells are increasingly being used for tapping groundwater to meet both

domestic and agricultural requirements. In Baluchistan, the number of installed deep

tube wells has been growing considerably in areas where electricity has been made

available. However the water table is going down fast in these areas.

3. Spate (Inundation)9

Data available from Irrigation Department, Government of Baluchistan.


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Spate or inundation method of developing water for irrigation and meeting crop water

requirements is a surface water development traditional system, whereby floodwater

generated through rains/storms is emitted in normally dry ephemeral streams and

conveyed to irrigable fields by building dams/diversion structures across streams. The

Province needs small and medium dams to store this water.

4. Traditional Canal System:Baluchistan lacks any permanent river so it has to depend largely on the two canals;

Pat Feeder and Kichi Canal to bring water from Guddu and Taunsa respectively. The

development work on Kichi Canal is moving ahead it needs to be completed.

5. Baluchistan has also joined in the bandwagon of Kalabagh Dam opposition.7. Draft Water Policy (2006):

This water policy was drafted in 2006 and since then it is with the Ministry of Water &

Power for updating and resubmission for approval. The water picture in a simple form is as

follows10

:

WATER REQUIREMENT

Sectors Water uses2010(MAF)

Projected Requirements2025 (MAF)

AdditionalRequirements (MAF)

Agriculture 100 128 28

Municipal & RuralWater Supply

including Sanitation &

Environment

5.8 12.2 6.4

Industry 2.2 4.8 2.6

Total 108 145 37

The present water availability situation in Pakistan does not support the requirements of

the future. The water policy addresses this situation in a wide context, but for our research the

relevant portion is discussed below.

The policy considers that Irrigated agriculture is by far the largest sector/user of water

and is also the prime mover of the economy. To meet the food and fiber requirements of the

growing population and to ensure sustained economic development (including exports) through

to year 2025, there is need to increase agricultural output significantly. This will require yields to

be raised as well as the cropping intensity and the area under irrigation.

To this end the policy proposes the following principles:

1. Realization10

WAPDA 20003.


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2. Improvement3. Community Participation4. Management of Water5. High Yield Crops6. Increase water storage capacity.7.1 Conclusion:These are some of the steps envisaged by the Water Policy. For a successful

implementation of this policy it is required that this policy should see the light of the day and

should be implemented. It also needs research and analysis of the water issues of the country.

The policy can in this case only be successful if the research institutes are on board. On the other

hand it also needs huge investment in building storage capacity like Kalabagh, Bhasha and

others, which can enhance the water storage capacity of the country for meeting the future

challenge. The policy does not address the issue that no University in Pakistan has any trained

faculty or department to offer water hydrology as a course.

8. Analysis:

There are a number of key issues relating to the water resources which confront Pakistan

today. These key issues are listed below:

8.1 Lack of trust among the provinces especially between Punjab and Sindh:

Lack of trust among the provinces especially between Punjab and Sindh is at the heart of

the water issues in Pakistan. All disputes stem from this crisis of confidence. Sindh (the lower

riparian in this case) questions the upper canal withdrawals and feels that it is either being

deprived or will be deprived of its share of water by Punjab.

8.2 Differences among provinces on the interpretation of WAA of 1991.

The main differences relate to the following:

8.2.1 Construction of additional storages (Section 6 of the Water Accord-1991:

This is one of the most serious water issues confronting Pakistan today. The federal

government and the provincial government of the Punjab feel very strongly that this section

amounts to an agreement to construct Kalabagh, Bhasha and other dams on the river Indus. Sincethe feasibility study of Kalabagh dam is already completed and the detailed engineering design is

ready, the federal and Punjab governments would like to go ahead with the construction of this

project forthwith. The federal government feels that the existing storages are depleting due to

silting and a serious irrigation water crisis is looming large. Sindh and NWFP have serious

objections to this project and their assemblies have passed resolutions against the Project.


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8.2.2Minimum escapage to sea downstream Kotri (Section 7 of the Water Accord-1991)

Despite the passage of 20 years since the signing of the accord, the study could not be

commissioned because the provinces could not agree on the scope and terms of reference of the

study. Unless a study is undertaken and the minimum flow of water required down-stream Kotri

is known, Punjab and Sindh may not agree on the amount of water available for additional

storage. Many in Sindh contend that there is not sufficient water in river Indus for further

storage.

8.2.3The mode of sharing shortages (Section 14b of the Water Accord-1991)

Pakistan has experienced serious shortages of Indus water during 1994-95, 1997-98 and

then during 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03. During this period, Sindh and Punjab

differed seriously and sometime even acrimoniously on their share of water during the shortages.

In the 1991 accord, Punjab had agreed on its share of water that was 2.7 per cent less than its

historical share; Sindh, on the other hand, was given a share of water that was 1.2 % higher than

its historical share. Punjab contention was that it had agreed to a reduced share for itself because

of a 'package deal' in 1991 under which additional storages were also to be constructed. Since,

according to Punjab, the 1991 accord was not implemented in entirety and storages were not

constructed, Punjab sought its share of water on pre-1991 historical average basis. Sindh

contested this position bitterly and considered 1991 accord sacrosanct. But water continued to be

shared on the basis of the pre-91 basis in the light of a 1994 Inter-provincial ministerial

agreement. Many in Sindh called this as theft of their water. This serious difference of opinion

and the associated bitterness continues11.

8.3 Reduction in storage due to silting of existing reservoirs.

The following data shows that the storage capacity has decreased considerably; the

country needs a series of storage dams12.

RESERVIOR ORIGINAL

CAPACITY

LOSS BY

2003

LOSS BY

2010

LOSS BY

2015

LOSS BY

2020

Tarbela 11.62 (1974) 3.14 (27%) 3.95 (34%) 4.43 (38%) 4.98 (43%)Mangla 5.88 (1967) 1.21 (21%) 1.60 (27%) 1.63 (28%) 1.79 (30%)

Chashma 0.87 (1971) 0.38 (44%) 0.48 (55%) 0.50 (57%) 0.50 (57%)

Total 18.37 4.73 (26%) 6.03 (33%) 6.56 (36%) 7.27 (40%)

11The analysis was discussed with Mr. M.H. Siddiqi.

12WAPDA 2010.


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The state of technology at the time of construction of the three (3) main reservoirs,

Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma did not provide for any de-siltation of the reservoirs. It was

therefore anticipated that these reservoirs would have a limited life and substitute arrangements

would have to be made. This development would have grave ramifications for the agriculture

and overall economy of Pakistan. The federal government is convinced that construction of new

storage is the only effective response to this situation.

8.4 Wastage of water in the irrigation system

Pakistan has one of the largest contiguous irrigation systems in the world. It is estimated

that 40 to 50 per cent of water is lost between the canal head-works to the farm gate. Lining of

Canals is considered a good solution to this problem. But lining of canals in Sindh is a great

issue as canals will need to be closed long enough to deprive the farmers of at least one crop and

the farmers are not willing to pay this price for Canal Lining. With the passage of time, water as

a commodity is becoming more and more precious. Above all it is a finite source. This high

percentage of wastage, therefore, cannot be afforded for long. Wastage of water through poor

infrastructure or poor water management constitutes a major issue related to the water resources

of Pakistan. Another aspect of this issue is the productivity of the farms against per cusec of

irrigation water. Pakistan has a much lower rate of production. The irrigation efficiency,

therefore, needs to be enhanced.

8.5 India steps to reduce supply of water from western rivers

India has constructed Baghliar dam on river Chenab and Kishan Ganga dam on river

Jhelum thereby reducing the supply of water to Pakistan approximately by 2MAF. If this trend is

not arrested, India can come in a position to strangle Pakistan on water issue. The issue needs to

be discussed under the Treaty arrangements.

9. Recommendations:

In our analysis we have tried to show that Pakistan is facing an acute problem of water

management & distribution. This will eventually lead to shortages and in the coming years if

nothing is done it can make this country a desert. To address this situation the syndicate proposes

the following plans for different time lines.

9.1 Short Term (2-5 years):

The Syndicate proposes that in this time limit, following measures can be undertaken:


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a. It is suggested that an active conflict resolution mechanism must be in place tostrengthen IRSA. As our analysis has shown that IRSA is becoming a forum for

initiating water politics and displaying strong arm tactics to get more shares. We

suggest that a Parliamentary Committee can oversee the working of IRSA and

enforcing its three tier formula as agreed by all the stakeholders.

b. The Federal Government must review its decision to have its nominee from Sindh. Itshould pay heed to Punjab Government request and appoint a nominee from

Northern Areas. This would ensure neutrality and equality in IRSA.

c. The Federal Government must initiate regulation of groundwater usage. In this regardzoning system can be put in place and areas with alternative or multiple sources of

water supply should avoid using tube wells.

d. Water conservation has also been highlighted by the Draft Water Policy. The waterrates in the urban centers are so low that people have no consideration for their usage

and wastage. Awareness and enhancement in water rates can make much of a

difference.

e. Legislation on Water-related issues must be initiated in line with the ground realitiesand availability of water. Legislators should concentrate on bringing new legislations

to replace the outdated laws and to address the new issues. Safety of Dams,

contamination of surface and ground water and safe drinking water are some of the

issues which require new and more effective legislation.

f. Water conservation must take priority in the urban centers. The economic value ofwater in the urban centers is too low and this puts water conservation at lowest

priority. With real increase in water rates awareness about water scarcity must also

follow. Instead of washing cars with drinking water, rain water can be harvested to do

the same13.

9.2 Medium Term (5-7 years):

The syndicate feels that this is the crucial time period and our success depends largely on

the performance in this time limit. In this time limit following are the measures which can be

undertaken:

13As in New Delhi every household is required to include plans for rain water harvest before approval for

development.


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1. In view of the huge (around 45 to 50 per cent) losses of irrigation water betweencanal-heads and the farm-gate, water conservation should be accorded a high

priority. Lining of Canals and Water courses should be taken in hand more

vigorously.

2. There is a need to introduce Enhanced Telemetry System and replace the existingsystem as it has become controversial. Improvement and expansion in the

telemetry system is required to ensure transparency in water distribution amongst

the provinces.

3. Forecasting of Floods & Droughts is very important for an agricultural countrylike Pakistan. The recent floods of 2010 showed that there was disconnect

between meteorological and irrigation departments. Research needs to be

undertaken for better understanding and forecasting of floods and droughts and

preparation of emergency plans.

4. Efficient use of irrigation water and application of modern technologies canreduce unnecessary water losses. About 90 per cent of water is used for producing

agricultural crops. A greater emphasis should, therefore, be placed on growing

and producing more with less quantities of water. Feasibility Studies should be

commissioned, and based on positive results of these studies, pilot projects may

be initiated in the use of Drip and Sprinkler systems of irrigation to assess the

practicability and cost-benefit ratio of such technologies. In countries like Israel,

these irrigation technologies are being implemented with success. Pakistan should

pursue such technologies now in order to be able to use those in 5 to 7 years.

Farmers also need to be educated in land leveling and economical water usages.

More effort and resources need to be directed towards research and development.

5. An inter-provincial accord on new storages can be achieved in this time periodafter doing a comprehensive research and making sure that IRSA becomes more

effective.

6. Every monsoon season, hill torrents play havoc in South Punjab and Baluchistanthus making a case for Harnessing Hill Torrents. Development of flood flows of

hill torrents is necessary which offer great potential for conservation primarily in

areas located outside the Indus plain.


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7. The Indus Water Treaty has served this region for 50 years. There is a scope thatit can serve us for another 50 years. However Indian violations when noticed

were not treated with urgency on our part. Thus we failed to make our case more

effective. The new Indian projects require our consideration with diligence and

we need to complete projects on Indus and Jehlum to thwart Indian actions.

9.3 Long Term (7-10 years):

There is no alternative but to build new dams.

Following data is helpful for our case14:

Schemes Storage Capacity (MAF) Status

Basha Dam (River Indus) 9.04 Under consideration

Kalabagh Dam 6.1 Doldrums

Akhori Dam (Haro River) 7.04 Only design completed

Kurram Tangi Dam (North

Waziristan)

0.92 Completed

Mangla Dam Raising 8.01 Completed, but filling has

yet to kick off.

Satpara Dam (Skardu) 0.93 Only design completed.

Sabakzai Dam 0.03 Only design completed

Mirani Dam 0.2 Completed

Munda Dam 0.67 Design Complete

Gomal Zam Dam 0.65 Complete

33.59

9.4 Plan B:

In case of any laxity or calamity no alternative plan can be offered. The syndicates

believe that this is the only way out as spelled out above. The source of water is not infinite and

we need to store water. The only available technology is to build dam.

14Water Resources and Hydropower Development Vision 2025, WAPDA 2004.

Documents

Water Scarcity in Pakistan