rpant_gabba
Local Club Star
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2023
- Runs
- 2,123
I think it might be worth your time to read more about the "dispute"
-
Contact the PP Team
Pakistan faces water crisis as India builds dams on shared rivers
- Thread starter FearlessRoar
- Start date
Yeah i know about the dispute!! Because there is none . Ind hasn't broken any rules. I was just saying a lot of water is wasted currently and both countries should up their infrastructure. .But if pak doesn't want to do it or be collaboratiive or just be gung ho- then it doesnt help ayone and even pak own citizens.
rpant_gabba
Local Club Star
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2023
- Runs
- 2,123
When has Pak ever been collaborative? as in a win win with India, in a bilateral sense?
Hikaru
Tape Ball Regular
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2024
- Runs
- 556
Title should be " Pakistan faces water crisis as it never built the dams it should have".
rpant_gabba
Local Club Star
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2023
- Runs
- 2,123
Actually non-consumptive local use is allowed up to 7%.
If india can plant water intensive cops such as rice to fully utilize the 7% it is allocated on the western rivers.
what do you think @Cpt. Rishwat
Last edited by a moderator:
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
India releases water into Chenab River without information
India has released water into the Chenab River without prior notification, prompting a significant flood alert.
The Flood Warning Center has recorded a flow of 180,000 cusecs at the Marala Barrage, with projections indicating that this could rise to 250,000 cusecs within the next 24 hours.
The unexpected release has led to a medium-level flood condition at Marala Barrage, raising concerns about potential high-level flooding downstream.
The high-level flood warning has been extended from Marala to Qadirabad Barrages, with particular concern for katcha areas in Hafizabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, where there is a risk of submergence in low-lying regions.
The Indus Waters Commission had reported similar situations last year, with India releasing 200,000 cusecs of water. However, there has been no response from New Delhi regarding recent communications from Pakistani Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared for emergency measures to address potential flooding impacts in the affected regions.
India releases water into Chenab River without information
India's unnotified release of water into the Chenab River has led to a flood alert, with current flows at Marala Barrage at 180,000 cusecs and expected to rise to 250,000 cusecs. The high-level flood warning extends from Marala to Qadirabad Barrages, impacting katcha areas in Hafizabad...
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
Good news for agri, power sectors: Tarbela reaches full capacity
In a significant development for Pakistan’s water and power sectors, Tarbela Dam has been filled to its maximum capacity, with water levels reaching 1,550 feet.
This marks the second consecutive year that the dam has been fully filled, storing over 5.8 million acre-feet (MAF) of water.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) announced that with the dam now at full capacity, there is no room for additional water storage. As a result, spillway gates have been opened to manage the overflow.
WAPDA is expected to make an official announcement regarding the dam's status later today.
The completion of Tarbela Dam for the second year in a row is being hailed as a major success, particularly for the agricultural and energy sectors. The stored water will be used for irrigation purposes across the country, ensuring that agricultural activities remain uninterrupted during the upcoming seasons.
Additionally, the dam will continue to generate hydroelectric power, contributing to the stability of the national grid.
On the other hand, over the past 10 years, Pakistan’s oil and gas production has witnessed a significant decline instead of the anticipated growth, a situation attributed to political instability, security concerns, and a persistent lack of investment in exploration and development.
Due to the reasons mentioned above, large reserves have not been discovered over the last decade.
According to data provided by the Pakistan Petroleum Information Service (PPIS), the country’s crude oil production has fallen drastically since 2015. Back then, the daily production stood at 94,500 barrels. However, by 2024, it had decreased to just 70,500 barrels per day. This shows a staggering decline in petrol production of 24,000 barrels per day over the last decade.
Good news for agriculture, power sectors: Tarbela reaches full capacity
Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity for the second consecutive year, storing over 5.8 million acre-feet of water. WAPDA confirmed the dam's 1,550-foot water level, opening spillway gates to manage overflow. This development supports Pakistan's agriculture and energy sectors.
Bhaijaan
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2011
- Runs
- 61,077
- Post of the Week
- 1
Pakistan must learn the importance of water. If you cannot build the necessary infrastructure to save water then Bharat has the responsibility to teach Pakistan a lesson by being strict and harsh. Not because we are like that but because we have to do this act so Pakistan can learn.
Last edited by a moderator:
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
People’s Party decides to oppose likely amends in IRSA Act
Pakistan People’s Party has decided to reject likely amendments in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) law from the federal government.
“The PPP will oppose any change in the IRSA Act”, the Sindh government sources said.
Nisar Ahmed Khuhro will present an adjournment motion in Sindh Assembly with regard to the amendment in IRSA Act.
It has been decided that all PPP members in Sindh Assembly will oppose any amendment in the Indus River System Authority Act.
Federal government intends to abolish the 1991 water accord and keep all powers with it, sources observed.
Indus River System Authority was established in 1992 through an Act of Parliament for regulating and monitoring of the distribution of water resources of Indus river system among the four provinces in accordance with the Water Apportionment Accord 1991.
It is to be mentioned here that IRSA Act amendments were proposed during the previous caretaker government and the ordinance was rejected by the President over divergent views on the matter.
arynews.tv
Pakistan People’s Party has decided to reject likely amendments in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) law from the federal government.
“The PPP will oppose any change in the IRSA Act”, the Sindh government sources said.
Nisar Ahmed Khuhro will present an adjournment motion in Sindh Assembly with regard to the amendment in IRSA Act.
It has been decided that all PPP members in Sindh Assembly will oppose any amendment in the Indus River System Authority Act.
Federal government intends to abolish the 1991 water accord and keep all powers with it, sources observed.
Indus River System Authority was established in 1992 through an Act of Parliament for regulating and monitoring of the distribution of water resources of Indus river system among the four provinces in accordance with the Water Apportionment Accord 1991.
It is to be mentioned here that IRSA Act amendments were proposed during the previous caretaker government and the ordinance was rejected by the President over divergent views on the matter.
People's Party decides to oppose likely amends in IRSA Act
KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party has decided to reject likely amendments in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) law from the federal government. "The
arynews.tv
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
Sindh and Balochistan jointly reject amendment in IRSA Act
Balochistan and Sindh provinces have jointly rejected proposed amends in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act.
Irrigation ministers of Balochistan and Sindh, Mir Sadiq Umrani and Jam Khan Shoro in a joint press conference here said,”We jointly reject the amendment in the IRSA Act”.
“Amendments in the IRSA Act violation of the constitution and against the provincial autonomy,” Sindh’s irrigation minister Jam Khan Shoro said.
He said Sindh Assembly yesterday rejected the IRSA amends in a unanimously passed resolution.
“Under the current law Chairman IRSA becomes by rotation but under the proposed amendment the prime minister will appoint the chairman”. “The amendment in the law allows the PM to nominate the chairman with proposed amends in law the prime minister could nominate or remove a member of the authority,” Sindh’s minister said.
He said the water has been a provincial subject, proposed amendments in law are a blow to the provincial autonomy.
Shoro said that after Sindh’s political parties today Balochistan has also rejected the IRSA amendments.
The Sindh Assembly in a rare show of unity rejected the proposed amendment to the Indus River System Authority Act, resolving to never give up the province’s right on water guaranteed in the Water Accord of 1991.
The house unanimously adopted a resolution against the proposed amendment to the Irsa Act-1992, with members terming the proposal against the Constitution and democratic spirit of the federation.
The resolution, tabled by Pakistan People’s Party member Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, demanded the federal government to implement the water accord in true letter and spirit and not change or amend the IRSA law.
arynews.tv
Balochistan and Sindh provinces have jointly rejected proposed amends in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act.
Irrigation ministers of Balochistan and Sindh, Mir Sadiq Umrani and Jam Khan Shoro in a joint press conference here said,”We jointly reject the amendment in the IRSA Act”.
“Amendments in the IRSA Act violation of the constitution and against the provincial autonomy,” Sindh’s irrigation minister Jam Khan Shoro said.
He said Sindh Assembly yesterday rejected the IRSA amends in a unanimously passed resolution.
“Under the current law Chairman IRSA becomes by rotation but under the proposed amendment the prime minister will appoint the chairman”. “The amendment in the law allows the PM to nominate the chairman with proposed amends in law the prime minister could nominate or remove a member of the authority,” Sindh’s minister said.
He said the water has been a provincial subject, proposed amendments in law are a blow to the provincial autonomy.
Shoro said that after Sindh’s political parties today Balochistan has also rejected the IRSA amendments.
The Sindh Assembly in a rare show of unity rejected the proposed amendment to the Indus River System Authority Act, resolving to never give up the province’s right on water guaranteed in the Water Accord of 1991.
The house unanimously adopted a resolution against the proposed amendment to the Irsa Act-1992, with members terming the proposal against the Constitution and democratic spirit of the federation.
The resolution, tabled by Pakistan People’s Party member Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, demanded the federal government to implement the water accord in true letter and spirit and not change or amend the IRSA law.
Sindh and Balochistan jointly reject amendment in IRSA Act
QUETTA: Balochistan and Sindh provinces have jointly rejected proposed amends in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act. Irrigation ministers of
arynews.tv
Bhaijaan
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2011
- Runs
- 61,077
- Post of the Week
- 1
Baloch & Afghan brothers, you must fight to protect your share of the water. It’s your right and your Hindu brothers sitting in Bharat will always support you no matter what.
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
'Taking Undue Advantage': India Sends Notice To Pakistan, Demands Review Of Indus Water Treaty
India has sent a notice to Pakistan, demanding review of the 1960 Indus water treaty. The formal notice was sent on August 30. The notice mentioned that a one-sided water treaty has been there since its inception in 1960 and that various articles of the treaty need real assessment.
India also mentioned the continuous terrorist activities from Pakistan’s side and said Pakistan was taking undue advantage of Indian generosity, and that a relook was required.
Under Article XII (3) of the Treaty, its provisions may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments.
In January last year, India had sent a similar notice for the modification of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the northwestern neighbour “unilaterally” tried to change the process of resolving disputes between the two sides.
According to sources, the Indian notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty. Three specific concerns have been emphasised to drive home the point that the 1960 understanding is no longer tenable.
Sources said that the first was significantly altered population demographics, coupled with connected agricultural and other uses of the waters. The second was the need to accelerate the development of clean energy to meet India's emission targets.
The third underlines the impact of persistent cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir which has impeded the smooth operations of the Treaty and undermined full utilization of India's rights.
These developments come in the wake of a prolonged controversy on the handling of the Ratle and Kishenganga hydel projects. Indian officials believe that Pakistan has been compulsively obstructive about all projects on the Indian side and has taken undue advantage of India's generosity under the Indus Waters Treaty.
www.timesnownews.com
India has sent a notice to Pakistan, demanding review of the 1960 Indus water treaty. The formal notice was sent on August 30. The notice mentioned that a one-sided water treaty has been there since its inception in 1960 and that various articles of the treaty need real assessment.
India also mentioned the continuous terrorist activities from Pakistan’s side and said Pakistan was taking undue advantage of Indian generosity, and that a relook was required.
Under Article XII (3) of the Treaty, its provisions may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments.
In January last year, India had sent a similar notice for the modification of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the northwestern neighbour “unilaterally” tried to change the process of resolving disputes between the two sides.
According to sources, the Indian notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty. Three specific concerns have been emphasised to drive home the point that the 1960 understanding is no longer tenable.
Sources said that the first was significantly altered population demographics, coupled with connected agricultural and other uses of the waters. The second was the need to accelerate the development of clean energy to meet India's emission targets.
The third underlines the impact of persistent cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir which has impeded the smooth operations of the Treaty and undermined full utilization of India's rights.
These developments come in the wake of a prolonged controversy on the handling of the Ratle and Kishenganga hydel projects. Indian officials believe that Pakistan has been compulsively obstructive about all projects on the Indian side and has taken undue advantage of India's generosity under the Indus Waters Treaty.
'Taking Undue Advantage': India Sends Notice To Pakistan, Demands Review Of Indus Water Treaty
Under Article XII (3) of the Treaty, its provisions may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments., India News News - Times Now
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
CDWP approval of Punjab’s water project irks Sindh
The Sindh government has expressed serious concerns over the approval of a new irrigation project worth over Rs200 billion in Punjab.
The two provinces have repeatedly come face-to-face over water sharing, with Sindh being a lower riparian province accusing Punjab of not allowing adequate water flow downstream.
Now, the row over is set to escalate as the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved an entirely new irrigation system for Punjab.
The province plans to build a 176km-long Cholistan canal and a 120km-long Marot canal in the Cholistan area.
The Sindh government has already submitted a complaint over this project to the Council of Common Interests (CCI), on which a decision is still awaited.
In a summary sent to the CCI in July, the Sindh government protested against the Water Availability Certificate (WAC) issued to the project by the water regulator, Indus River System Authority in January.
It questioned before CCI the two new canals — Jalalpur canal being built on the right side of Rasul Barrage and Cholistan on its left side — and claimed the water regulator had “overstepped its authority” by issuing the certificate.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro has questioned CDWP’s approval as the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council — which approves major developmental projects in provinces — linked the move with CCI’s decision on Sindh’s complainant.
He was referring to Ecnec’s observation on Feb 7, where it stated that the summary submitted by the planning ministry for the “Development of National Irrigation Network for Green Pakistan Initiative” will be “subject to approval by CCI”.
He added that as per the working paper of Saturday’s CDWP meeting, the project, costing Rs211.34bn, will be completed by July 2030.
According to the cost breakdown in the working paper seen by Dawn, Rs 174bn will be spent on construction: Rs76.57bn for the Cholistan Canal, Rs47.6bn for Marot Canal, Rs39.19bn for link canals, Rs 800m for mechanical work and Rs10bn to account for escalation in construction cost.
The remaining amount will be spent on other aspects like afforestation, land acquisition, project management, etc.
According to Mr Shoro, a pre-CDWP meeting held on Sept 2 was told that the capacity of three link canals — Rasul-Qadirabad, Qadirabad-Balloki and Balloki-Sulemanki — would be enhanced to 25,000, 25,000 cusecs and 28,700 cusecs, respectively, to draw water for this project.
“We don’t know the existing capacity of these canals,” he remarked.
The minutes of the Sept 2 meeting said the Cholistan canal was originally conceived to be a non-perennial canal, which doesn’t flow throughout the year.
However, given the needs of this region and the possibility of flow adjustments among various canals in Punjab, the minutes stated, the canal is now planned to be executed as a perennial canal.
In periods where there is no flood, the water for the canal would be diverted from other water bodies and through “departmental adjustments”. Mr Shoro said the term departmental adjustments had not been explained to date.
While referring to the figures — quoted by Punjab — of water flow downstream Kotri, he said the difference between 17.29MAF in the pre-climate change era — in August from 1976 to 1998 — and 6.921MAF — in August from 1999 and 2023 — offers a different picture of Kotri downstream flows pattern.
Punjab has defended the water availability certificate (issued by Irsa in Jan 2024) of 0.449MAF out of flood share in favour of “smaller Cholistan” has been granted from the province’s flood share under para-4 of the Water Apportionment Act 1991.
In its submission to the planning ministry, Punjab claimed that the storage capacity of Bhasha and Mohmand dams would enable it to receive increased flows, which would “enhance existing irrigation systems and ensure sufficient water supply for new projects”.
However, the planning ministry, in its document, stated that the Punjab government has not provided data for water availability from the two reservoirs.
According to Mr Shoro, the document also said the panel of experts appointed by the Centre put the environmental flow of the river (EFR) below Kotri at 8.6 MAF. The data of average flows from 1976 to 2022 create a “mirage” as many years have witnessed meagre EFR and the number of “no flow days” have increased, Mr Shoro said, while quoting the document.
The Sindh government has expressed serious concerns over the approval of a new irrigation project worth over Rs200 billion in Punjab.
The two provinces have repeatedly come face-to-face over water sharing, with Sindh being a lower riparian province accusing Punjab of not allowing adequate water flow downstream.
Now, the row over is set to escalate as the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved an entirely new irrigation system for Punjab.
The province plans to build a 176km-long Cholistan canal and a 120km-long Marot canal in the Cholistan area.
The Sindh government has already submitted a complaint over this project to the Council of Common Interests (CCI), on which a decision is still awaited.
In a summary sent to the CCI in July, the Sindh government protested against the Water Availability Certificate (WAC) issued to the project by the water regulator, Indus River System Authority in January.
It questioned before CCI the two new canals — Jalalpur canal being built on the right side of Rasul Barrage and Cholistan on its left side — and claimed the water regulator had “overstepped its authority” by issuing the certificate.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro has questioned CDWP’s approval as the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council — which approves major developmental projects in provinces — linked the move with CCI’s decision on Sindh’s complainant.
He was referring to Ecnec’s observation on Feb 7, where it stated that the summary submitted by the planning ministry for the “Development of National Irrigation Network for Green Pakistan Initiative” will be “subject to approval by CCI”.
He added that as per the working paper of Saturday’s CDWP meeting, the project, costing Rs211.34bn, will be completed by July 2030.
According to the cost breakdown in the working paper seen by Dawn, Rs 174bn will be spent on construction: Rs76.57bn for the Cholistan Canal, Rs47.6bn for Marot Canal, Rs39.19bn for link canals, Rs 800m for mechanical work and Rs10bn to account for escalation in construction cost.
The remaining amount will be spent on other aspects like afforestation, land acquisition, project management, etc.
According to Mr Shoro, a pre-CDWP meeting held on Sept 2 was told that the capacity of three link canals — Rasul-Qadirabad, Qadirabad-Balloki and Balloki-Sulemanki — would be enhanced to 25,000, 25,000 cusecs and 28,700 cusecs, respectively, to draw water for this project.
“We don’t know the existing capacity of these canals,” he remarked.
The minutes of the Sept 2 meeting said the Cholistan canal was originally conceived to be a non-perennial canal, which doesn’t flow throughout the year.
However, given the needs of this region and the possibility of flow adjustments among various canals in Punjab, the minutes stated, the canal is now planned to be executed as a perennial canal.
In periods where there is no flood, the water for the canal would be diverted from other water bodies and through “departmental adjustments”. Mr Shoro said the term departmental adjustments had not been explained to date.
While referring to the figures — quoted by Punjab — of water flow downstream Kotri, he said the difference between 17.29MAF in the pre-climate change era — in August from 1976 to 1998 — and 6.921MAF — in August from 1999 and 2023 — offers a different picture of Kotri downstream flows pattern.
Punjab has defended the water availability certificate (issued by Irsa in Jan 2024) of 0.449MAF out of flood share in favour of “smaller Cholistan” has been granted from the province’s flood share under para-4 of the Water Apportionment Act 1991.
In its submission to the planning ministry, Punjab claimed that the storage capacity of Bhasha and Mohmand dams would enable it to receive increased flows, which would “enhance existing irrigation systems and ensure sufficient water supply for new projects”.
However, the planning ministry, in its document, stated that the Punjab government has not provided data for water availability from the two reservoirs.
According to Mr Shoro, the document also said the panel of experts appointed by the Centre put the environmental flow of the river (EFR) below Kotri at 8.6 MAF. The data of average flows from 1976 to 2022 create a “mirage” as many years have witnessed meagre EFR and the number of “no flow days” have increased, Mr Shoro said, while quoting the document.
CDWP approval of Punjab’s water project irks Sindh
Planning body okays proposal worth Rs211bn; Shoro says CCI yet to decide on Sindh’s complaint over the plan.
www.dawn.com
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
Supreme Court seeks report on Nai Gaj Dam delay
The Supreme Court's constitutional bench has sought a report from the federal government on the delay and costs associated with the Nai Gaj Dam project in Badin.
A six-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the case. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned why the dam project remains incomplete.
The construction consortium’s lawyer stated that allocated funds had not been released. Justice Mandokhail criticised the government, saying its inaction burdens the courts. The Additional Advocate General noted that timely funding could ensure project completion.
Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi pointed out that the project was supposed to finish in two years, but its cost surged from Rs30 billion to Rs100 billion. The lawyer further revealed that the plan is being revised for the third time, citing delays due to floods.
Justice Mandokhail stressed the need for agreement adherence and requested a final timeline and budget after consultations.
The hearing was adjourned for six weeks.
Supreme Court seeks report on Nai Gaj Dam delay
A six-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the case.
dunyanews.tv
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
Inland Waterways To See Rs 50,000-Crore Investment In 5 Years
The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), the apex body for policy deliberation on inland waterways network in the country, on Friday, announced investments of more than Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years.
The announcements to boost infrastructure along national waterways (NWs) were made at the second meeting of IWDC, organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), at Kaziranga, a statement said. They include a series of new initiatives across 21 Inland Waterways, worth more than Rs 1,400 crore.
Presided over by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the meeting mooted a major policy initiative in the form of the Riverine Community Development Scheme to improve the socio-economic well-being of coastal communities by developing infrastructure, promotion of trade and tourism, providing skill enrichment training and upgrading traditional knowledge of river of the communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sonowal said, "We are attempting to rejuvenate the support system of inland waterways so that we decongest railways and roadways, and at the same time, provide a viable, economic, sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for both passengers and cargo operators. At IWDC, we levelled up solutions to tide over challenges to unlock the opportunities for economic development. In this regard, we have aimed at launching 1,000 Green vessels," he said.
Highlighting the focus of IWDC on employment generation and skill training, the Union minister said, "Major projects of upgrade in Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) have been conceived at the meeting. The government is planning to develop shipbuilding and ship repair facilities across all the NWs. This will reduce logistics costs, boost the ancillary industries, and encourage inclusion of riparian communities through employment opportunities." Highlighting the growth of inland waterways in the country, Sonowal said that from April to November 2024, NWs have recorded a growth of almost 7 per cent as compared to last year.
Significant growth has been made in the last one decade in river cruise tourism and river cruise vessels have increased from three in 2013-14 to 25 in 2023-24, he added.
"Through strategic regional projects and agreements with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and others, we are facilitating regional trade and seamless transport connectivity in South Asia," he maintained.
In a boost to IWT in Andhra Pradesh, the Union minister announced the setting up of six floating steel jetties on river Godavari (NW 4) at Gandipochamma Temple, Pochavaram, Perantapalli Village.
A feasibility study on river Penna (NW 79) was also announced along with the DPR of NW 4 to get additional inputs for development, he said.
For Assam, he announced the setting up of a Regional Centre of Excellence (RcoE) in Dibrugarh, which will incubate an ecosystem to train and develop manpower for the IWT sector.
He also announced the design, construction, supply, testing and commissioning of 12 vessels while one survey vessel for river Barak (NW16), among other initiatives for the state.
Mr Sonowal announced ten community jetties on river Mandovi (NW 68), river Cumberjua (NW27) and river Zuari (NW111), and three additional jetties on river Sal (NW88) and river Chapora (NW25) for Goa.
"Proposals for fairway maintenance in NW 68, NW 27 and NW71 have been approved. VTMS are also to be set up on all NWs of Goa," he added.
Mr Sonowal also launched two Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanism (QPOM), which will be deployed in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
He announced the setting up of two jetties on river Yamuna (NW110) in Delhi and seven jetties on river Jhelum (NW49) for cruise tourism and urban transportation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Sonowal also announced the operationalisation of river Chenab (NW 26) and river Ravi (NW84) for tourism.
In Ladakh, two jetties and one green vessel are being set up on river Indus (NW46), he said.
"These have been made possible as a result of increase in investments in national waterways since 2014. Legislative reforms such as the enactment of National Waterways Act 2016 and Inland Vessels Act 2021 have streamlined the safe and smooth movement of the vessels across the country," Sonowal maintained.
The meeting was attended by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, MoS for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, the Ports Minister of Goa and the Transport ministers of Assam, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, among others.
Inland Waterways To See Rs 50,000-Crore Investment In 5 Years
The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), the apex body for policy deliberation on inland waterways network in the country, on Friday, announced investments of more than Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years.
www.ndtv.com
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 28,323
Groundwater depletion in Pakistan puts millions at risk of water scarcity
Groundwater depletion is a growing environmental crisis in Pakistan, impacting millions across both rural and urban areas. Groundwater is a crucial resource for drinking, agriculture, and industry, but its rapid depletion is putting significant pressure on the country’s future water security.
Pakistan is heavily dependent on groundwater, particularly for agriculture, where about 70% of the country’s water resources are used for irrigation. In rural areas, farmers rely on tube wells to extract water, while in urban centres like Karachi, people depend on underground sources due to limited surface water availability.
Over-extraction of groundwater is the primary cause of the depletion crisis. As the population grows and agricultural and industrial demands increase, groundwater reserves are being used faster than they can naturally recharge.
In regions like Punjab, the water table is dropping at alarming rates, requiring farmers to drill deeper wells, which in turn raises costs and reduces agricultural productivity. In cities like Karachi, the situation is even direr, with many residents relying on private water tankers as the water table continues to fall, making it difficult to access clean, safe water.
Industrial use also contributes to the crisis. Textile factories and other industries extract large amounts of groundwater, further depleting already stressed aquifers. Combined with inefficient agricultural practices, such as flood irrigation, which wastes vast amounts of water, the demand on groundwater is unsustainable.
Additionally, climate change has worsened the situation, as more erratic rainfall and droughts make it harder to rely on surface water sources, driving further dependence on groundwater.
The consequences of groundwater depletion are significant. In rural areas, wells are drying up, and the remaining water is often contaminated with pollutants, making it unsafe for consumption. In urban areas, people are forced to pay high prices for water delivered by private tankers. This has a direct impact on both public health and livelihoods, especially for farmers who face higher costs due to deeper wells and decreasing crop yields.
To address this crisis, several actions are needed.
First, there must be better regulation of groundwater extraction. The government should implement measures such as water meters to track usage, set limits on extraction, and enforce penalties for overuse. Second, more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, should be promoted to reduce water wastage in agriculture. Rainwater harvesting and restoration of traditional water storage systems can also reduce dependence on groundwater.
Investing in alternative water sources like desalination and wastewater treatment is another important step. Desalination plants can help provide fresh water for coastal areas, while treated wastewater can be reused for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating communities about the importance of water conservation and promoting sustainable water use practices.
Ultimately, the groundwater depletion crisis in Pakistan requires immediate action from all sectors of society, including the government, industries, farmers, and local communities. By regulating extraction, promoting water efficiency, and exploring alternative water sources, Pakistan can work towards a more sustainable future.
The time to act is now to protect one of the country’s most valuable resources and secure water security for future generations.
Groundwater depletion in Pakistan puts millions at risk of water scarcity | The Express Tribune
Pakistan’s groundwater crisis worsens as over-extraction depletes reserves, threatening agriculture, industry, and livelihoods
tribune.com.pk
Similar threads
