‘Water conservation critical for Pakistan’s economic sustainability’

Islamabad:Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam said that while Pakistan faces mounting pressure on its water resources due to climate change impacts, population growth, and inefficient usage, it is imperative for every citizen to recognise the urgent need to conserve water at all levels.

“While the riverine water flows and shifting rainfall patterns have becoming increasingly unpredictable and declining in the country because of exacerbating fallouts of global warming, conserving available water resources to meet domestic, industrial and agricultural needs is of the critical importance for the country’s economic sustainability,” The PM’s climate aide said while chairing a high-level meeting regarding the ‘Recharge Pakistan Programme’ initiative here on Monday.

The national and international water conservation, climate change, flood risk management experts attended the meeting. She stressed that water conservation was no longer a choice but a necessity for the survival and prosperity of Pakistan. Given the reaslisation, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is particularly committed to support policy efforts that would help Pakistan achieve water security.

“The present government remains committed to supporting and implementing policies and initiatives in collaboration with national and international stakeholders that promote sustainable water use, but the responsibility lies with every individual, community, and industry to act now,” Romina Khurshid Alam said. “Together, we can ensure a water-secure future for Pakistan.”

She said that Recharge Pakistan programme is an important water conservation policy initiative, which would be launched today (Tuesday), aims to building Pakistan’s climate resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation for integrated flood risk management and conservation of excess flood water and utilize it for meeting growing water needs of domestic, industrial and agriculture sectors. The Prime Minister’s Coordinator, Romina Khurshid Alam stated that the Indus River is the country’s lifeline but is now experiencing catastrophic floods and droughts exacerbated by climate change.

Therefore, the Recharge Pakistan Programme, which would be implemented by a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the climate change and environmental coordination ministry and provincial governments, was a critical intervention that would help build the country’s climate resilience and water security at the same time through cost-effective ecosystem-based adaptation measures. Because, the initiative would help increase water storage and recharge through wetlands, floodplains, and hill-torrents management; promote climate-adapted community-based natural resource management and livelihoods; and forge a paradigm shift to scale up this approach, she explained.

There was need to understand that no matter how much water is stored or conserved in any form, its efficient use is key to sustainable water availability in the country. “Water is life. We cannot afford to waste it. Every drop saved today will secure a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren. Whether it is turning off the tap when not in use, fixing leaks, or adopting water-efficient technologies, every action counts,” Ms Alam emphasised.

However, she urged all citizens to take immediate steps to conserve water in their daily lives, including reducing water usage in households by turning off taps when not in use, using water-saving appliances, and fixing leaks; encouraging farmers to adopt modern, efficient irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems and; supporting industrial initiatives for water recycling and minimizing waste.

She pointed out that climate change was reducing the availability of freshwater due to irregular rainfall and glacier melting. Highlighting the adverse impacts of water scarcity, she said that water scarcity could destabilise key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and energy, potentially leading to economic crises. However, water conservation was vital to ensure that industries and agriculture continued to thrive without overburdening water supplies, Romina Khurshid Alam stressed.

Talking about adverse environmental impacts of inefficient use of water resources, particularly by agriculture and industrial sectors, PM’s climate aide said that excessive water use and mismanagement had led to the degradation of ecosystems and pollution of water bodies. With over 90% of Pakistan's water used in agriculture, efficient water use was essential to maintain food security.

“We must understand that conserving water protects these ecosystems and preserves biodiversity, which is crucial for the environment and human health. Besides, adopting modern irrigation techniques and reducing water waste in farming will help safeguard crop production,” she suggested.