ISLAMABAD, Chairperson Standing Committe senate for climate change Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed deep concern over the escalating drought situation in three provinces of Pakistan. According to officials of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), these provinces are experiencing extreme drought conditions, a situation that has become exceedingly troubling and requires immediate attention and action. This alarming development has raised serious concerns about the country’s ability to manage its water resources effectively in the face of such an unprecedented crisis.
The ongoing water shortage in the country has led to significant challenges for irrigation planning. Due to concerns over limited water availability, irrigation experts are struggling to devise a comprehensive strategy to provide water throughout the entire agricultural season. This has made it difficult to prepare for the Kharif season, which is vital for the country’s food production. The water scarcity threatens to jeopardize the livelihoods of farmers and put additional pressure on an already stressed agricultural sector.
In response to the urgent water crisis, IRSA’s Advisory Committee held a crucial meeting where it was decided that only drinking water will be supplied during the month of April. This decision highlights the severity of the situation, indicating that the available water resources will be allocated to meet essential needs only, further limiting water availability for other sectors, such as agriculture and industry. This move underscores the gravity of the water deficit, as Pakistan’s water systems are currently facing a 43% shortfall, with no water reserves in the dams to alleviate the crisis.
Compounding the crisis is the reduction in snowmelt from the country’s mountain ranges. Normally, snowmelt from the mountains helps replenish water levels in the rivers, ensuring a steady flow of water during the crucial months. However, due to a significant decrease in snow accumulation this year, this natural source of water replenishment is not expected to provide the usual relief. As a result, there is little hope for an improved water flow in the coming months, further intensifying the existing water shortage.
The onset of water shortages at the beginning of the Kharif season is expected to have serious repercussions for crop production. Crops such as rice, cotton, and sugarcane, which are essential to Pakistan’s agricultural economy, are likely to suffer from the lack of water. This shortage could lead to reduced crop yields, lower farmer incomes, and potentially higher food insecurity across the country. The agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, faces a crisis that could have far-reaching economic and social consequences.
Sherry Rehman also emphasized that the current drought situation is not just the result of natural factors but is heavily influenced by climate change and poor water management practices. Irregular rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events are direct consequences of climate change, which has made water resource management even more critical. Furthermore, inefficient water usage and distribution systems have compounded the crisis, preventing the country from fully utilizing its available water resources.
In light of these challenges, Sherry Rehman called for greater responsibility in the use and distribution of water resources. She urged all stakeholders to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices to manage water, emphasizing that without a coordinated and responsible approach, the water crisis in Pakistan will only continue to worsen. Sherry Rehman also reiterated that unilateral canal projects from the Indus River, without proper clarification and consensus, should not be initiated, as such measures may exacerbate the problem rather than offer solutions.