Water scarcity in Pakistan at worsening situation

In Pakistan, the signs of water stress are ubiquitous in the form of water scarcity, resource depletion, and contamination. Water is life, yet Pakistan is facing water scarcity. There is a water crisis in Pakistan. Pakistan is part of 36 countries that are water-stressed. 

Water scarcity in Pakistan at worsening situation

Water scarcity is a major issue all over the world and also in Pakistan. There are several factors that have contributed to the water crisis in Pakistan, such as an increase in population in urban areas, agriculture, mismanagement of the water system, and climate change.

Currently, Pakistan is categorized as a water-scarce country because the yearly water availability is less than 1,000 cubic meters per person. The country crossed this level in 2005. If it reaches 500 cubic meters, it will become a country that is absolute scarce of water by 2025.

The effect of the water crisis in Pakistan is already being felt among people. In Pakistan, 80 percent of people living in 24 major cities do not have access to safe water. 

For many people who do not have running water, they are dependent on water trucks to fill their personal and family water tanks. A water truck may come only once a week. It is terrible for life.

The lack of running water is being exploited by what is called the water mafia, which is a group of people that siphon water from the government that is meant for local people and sell it to them for higher prices

. Although the government has tried to crack down on water mafia groups, the mafia groups still exist.

In 2018, the Pakistan government called both national and international Pakistani to help fund a $14 billion project to build two dams. The goal of the dam is to help Pakistan store more water and to supply Pakistan with electricity. 

The government needs to take certain steps to slow down the water crisis in Pakistan. The Pakistan Academy of Sciences said that the country needs to expand its water storage, reduce water waste, improve water productivity, and develop a framework that will help with the management of surface and groundwater.

Although the clock is ticking for Pakistani’s water supply, the government has started to act. Hopefully, it will be able to undo some of the damage before it is too late.