By CP Staff
Pakistan is facing an unprecedented water crisis as its two major dams, Tarbela and Mangla, approach dead levels, raising alarms over the country’s ability to sustain its agricultural and domestic water needs. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has warned of a 30 to 35 percent water shortage in the remaining season, a situation that could severely impact Punjab and Sindh, the most water-dependent provinces. The looming crisis underscores decades of mismanagement, political indecision, and inadequate infrastructure development, leaving millions vulnerable to water scarcity.
The water demand in Pakistan far exceeds supply, with the country requiring an estimated 145 million acre-feet (MAF) annually for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. The available supply stands at roughly 102 MAF, leading to a stark shortfall that becomes even more pronounced during dry seasons. Punjab and Sindh, which heavily rely on the Indus River system, are the most affected, and farmers are already experiencing reduced water availability for their crops, potentially leading to food shortages and rising commodity prices.
Tarbela Dam, located on the Indus River, currently has a water level of 1,409.50 feet, dangerously close to its dead level of 1,402 feet. Meanwhile, Mangla Dam, built on the Jhelum River, stands at 1,088.45 feet, nearing its dead level of 1,050 feet. These reservoirs were constructed under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 to regulate water distribution after India was granted control over the eastern rivers. While these dams played a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s agricultural and energy needs, their storage capacity has declined due to sedimentation and aging infrastructure, making the country increasingly vulnerable to water shortages.
Pakistan has failed to construct additional major reservoirs to meet its growing water demands. While small and medium-sized projects have been initiated, no large-scale dam has been completed after Tarbela and Mangla. The Kalabagh Dam, which was planned as a crucial storage facility on the Indus River, has remained mired in political controversy. Its opponents, mainly from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, fear that Punjab will gain undue control over water distribution, depriving lower-riparian provinces. The lack of political consensus has indefinitely stalled its construction, leaving Pakistan with limited options to store water efficiently.
Successive governments have acknowledged the crisis but have failed to implement sustainable solutions. Some steps have been taken, such as the construction of Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand, and Dasu dams, but these projects remain incomplete and will take years before they become fully operational. Water conservation programs have been introduced, advocating for efficient irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems to minimize wastage. Groundwater extraction, which has been overexploited due to increasing reliance on tube wells, is now being regulated to prevent depletion. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate citizens about responsible water consumption.
Despite these measures, the situation remains dire. Agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, is under severe threat. Farmers who depend on a steady water supply for wheat, rice, and cotton cultivation face declining yields. This could lead to food insecurity, soaring prices, and economic instability. Additionally, hydropower generation, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s energy grid, is expected to suffer due to low water levels, exacerbating power shortages and load shedding. The lack of clean water for drinking and sanitation could also increase the prevalence of waterborne diseases, particularly in rural areas.
Pakistan can learn from countries that have successfully tackled water scarcity. Israel, for instance, has developed advanced desalination and wastewater recycling technologies, making it largely self-sufficient in water management. The Netherlands has adopted efficient flood control and water conservation measures. Pakistan must invest in similar strategies, integrating modern water management systems and long-term sustainability policies to mitigate future crises.
Experts emphasize that urgent action is needed to avert a national catastrophe. Investment in water storage infrastructure must be prioritized to increase reservoir capacity. The Kalabagh Dam project, though controversial, should be re-evaluated through constructive dialogue and regional consensus. Strict water conservation policies must be implemented across agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Exploring desalination as an alternative water source for urban centers could also alleviate the crisis. Additionally, cooperation with neighboring countries on water-sharing agreements and efficient management practices is crucial to ensuring a stable water supply.
The looming water crisis in Pakistan demands immediate intervention. If the government and relevant authorities fail to act swiftly, Pakistan could face absolute water scarcity by 2040, with devastating consequences for its people and economy. Without urgent reforms, the nation risks plunging into a crisis that will be difficult to reverse, making long-term sustainability efforts imperative.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
