The case for small dams

This is the age of small dams; the era of big dams is almost over worldwide. Multilateral agencies, which used to sell this dream of big dams for mega development, are no more interested in building big dams.

In the post-modern world, the model of storing and utilizing water has switched from big to small dams as the most preferred option for eco-friendly and sustainable livelihoods and the environment both locally and globally.

Debates now are more focused on the utility and viability of small dams all around us. Small dams in Pakistan are not a dream project anymore, but a small-scale success story with big benefits for areas where they are located, with increasingly positive contributions to the local and national economies.

One such success story of small dams in Sindh which is worth sharing is from Nagarparkar, which is located in the bed of the Karoonjhar Mountains in Tharparkar. Images and stories doing the rounds in the mainstream and social media highlight the impressive story of these small dams, which in recent years are changing the lives of the locals for the better.

The prime source of these small dams in Nagarparkar is rainwater that flows down from almost the 20km-long and 300-ft high Karoojhar Mountains, which also consist of rich deposits of granite and China clay, and recently came under the spotlight when officials gave a green signal for mining activities here. Its range and bed connect with the Rann of Kutch and borders Indian Rajasthan. In the monsoon season, rainwater pours down from the mountains and flows down more than 20 streams, where most of these small dams are built.

Historically, Nagarparkar was a centre for Jainism for several centuries with the remnants of some of the best temples in its every corner. It is an open museum of nature with the best scenic trails, flora and fauna and the rare species of animals, birds and plants. Its entire life, landscape and livelihoods stand revived and recharged because of these small dams.

Sindh’s two arid zones, the Kirthar range and Thar Desert comprise 49 per cent of the land. It is almost half of the province. These areas completely depend upon the rainfall which used to be wasted due to the non-availability of rainfed, small dams. For tackling the impending scarcity of water in rainfed or Barani area, the irrigation department of the PPP-led Sindh government with its small dams initiative has constructed small dams at the untapped sites during the last fifteen years at a fast pace.

As per data available on the website of the irrigation department, the Hyderabad region alone has completed 106 small dams so far, under various annual and special development schemes. Of this, 51 small dams have been completed in Nagarparkar, whereas five more are under construction. More small dams are under consideration to cover almost the entire area of Nagarparkar, which otherwise is known for sand dunes and droughts where a drop of water is more precious than anything else.

Small dams are not only water reservoirs, but they also recharge underground water for safe drinking water with five times higher crop productivity while offering sustainable livelihoods. Now, the valley of Nagarparkar enjoys the facility of water throughout the year – from drinking water for humans and livestock to water for crops.

The effects are visible now. This year, the area recorded a bumper crop of onion, taking this drought-prone region to a development-friendly area. Onions worth over Rs4 billion were transported to the open market from Nagarparkar, marking a record-breaking production and dream incomes for growers and landowners. Resultantly, the cost of land has almost doubled, and the cost of lands in the close proximity of the catchment areas of small dams continue to rise.

Besides the wellbeing of humans and bumper crops, the life and survival of the wildlife, which used to be under the constant threat of being extinct, is also protected because of these water reservoirs. Previously, several species were supposed to die due to either the severity of the weather or water shortages.

With ample water available for drinking purposes, crops, and livestock, the percentage of migration has decreased to almost 80 per cent in the area. The migration from the desert to barrage areas in lower Sindh is a common phenomenon, where thousands of families with their livestock would travel in search of water during summer and in search of water during winter to escape droughts.

Now, organic and indigenous quinoa and other kinds are emerging as a major crop in this area. Likewise, the production of honey has reportedly doubled with the coverage of sustainable biodiversity in the region. Importantly, the guggul tree, which is used in the production of gum, has not only been saved but its production has also increased. Regarding animals, the dying species of the most beautiful cow called kankrech has been saved. These cows will not have to die due to drought or migrate to save their sensitive skin. With these small dams, the entire economy and livelihoods of this area have found a new life.

Overall, these small dams have successfully served three important purposes: first, the migration of the locals has been reduced at a significant level. Second, the sub-soil water level which was depleted at an alarming level of 200-250 ft has now recharged to 120-150ft. Third, these small dams are becoming an effective model for poverty alleviation in these areas.

Let this success story of small dams from the desert of Nagarparkar and elsewhere be replicated all over 70 per cent arid and semi-arid areas of Pakistan.

The writer is an Islamabad-based anthropologist and analyst.

Email: sikandarhullio@yahoo.com