Water woes

The Baizai Irrigation Channel Project was completed at a cost of around Rs3.5 billion in 2011 and is meant to irrigate 25,000 acres of barren land in the Malakand and Mardan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Continuous water theft from this channel has irked the farmers downstream. The upstream residents of the canal are using every means including pipes to steal water from the main canal. Consequently, the farmers downstream of the canal are deprived of their due water rights and their standing crops are badly affected by the non-availability of irrigation water. This fact has been brought to the notice of the authorities time and again, but to no avail. This issue, if not resolved promptly, may create law and order problems which must be avoided at this juncture.

Khan Faraz

Peshawar

*****

As a nation, we are facing an alarming water crisis that requires immediate and concerted efforts from all sectors of society. Pakistan is blessed with numerous natural water resources, yet the mismanagement and overexploitation of these resources have led us to a point where water availability per capita has drastically declined. The consequences of this scarcity are far-reaching, impacting agriculture, industry, and domestic life. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of our economy, consumes the majority of our water resources. Inefficient irrigation practices and outdated agricultural methods lead to significant water wastage. Adopting modern techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and crop rotation can greatly reduce water consumption and improve efficiency.

Urban areas also contribute to water wastage. Leaking pipes, excessive use of water in households, and the lack of awareness about water conservation exacerbate the problem. Simple measures such as fixing leaks, using water-saving appliances, and promoting the importance of water conservation through educational campaigns can make a significant difference. Water conservation is not just a necessity but a collective responsibility. We must act now to protect our water resources and ensure a sustainable future for Pakistan.

Sarfaraz Ishaq

Lahore