Pakistan plans $18 billion water security programme over 10 years

LAHORE: Pakistan has planned to spend $18 billion over the next 10 years on water storage, irrigation systems and flood protection projects. The aim is to improve water use, increase availability for agricultural needs and control water shortages.

According to a media report, the Planning Commission’s report presents a national water security framework under “Uraan Pakistan”.

Targets and projects

The report sets targets of raising water use efficiency from 40 per cent to 70 per cent by 2029, and increasing water availability at farms from 58.3 million acre-feet to 79 million acre-feet. It also proposes raising water storage capacity from the present 15.318 million acre-feet to 23.54 million acre-feet.

For this purpose, work will be done on new water reservoirs, dams, improvement of canals and flood protection projects. The proposed projects include the Akhori Off-Channel Storage Dam, the Shyok Dam and the Skardu Dam.

Proposals for water security

The report says that about 95 per cent of the total freshwater used in Pakistan goes to Agriculture, while water use efficiency in the irrigation system is about 40 per cent. To save water, it proposes promoting drip and sprinkler irrigation, monitoring groundwater use and improving crop cultivation methods.

It also recommends that at least 25 per cent of urban wastewater be made reusable, that flood early warning systems be improved and that steps be taken to protect glaciers. According to the report, effective coordination between federal and provincial institutions and the implementation of reforms will be necessary to achieve these targets.