By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The debate over Pakistan’s water resources has resurfaced as the federal government’s plan to construct the Cholistan Canal faces opposition from Sindh.
Ensuring fair water distribution: A call for dialogue and consensus
The project, aimed at irrigating the Cholistan desert in Punjab, has raised concerns among Sindh’s leadership, particularly the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which fears it may reduce Sindh’s share of Indus River water.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, along with other party leaders, has urged that the matter be discussed in the Council of Common Interests (CCI), a constitutional forum meant to resolve inter-provincial disputes but has not been convened for the past eight years.
Water experts believe that the dispute highlights a deeper issue: A long-standing failure to expand its water infrastructure. Former senator and water expert Mohsin Laghari emphasized that the real challenge is not just the distribution of water but the lack of new reservoirs to meet the growing demand. The 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, which governs provincial water sharing, had envisioned an increase in total water availability through new storage projects. However, no major reservoir has been completed in the past three decades, and existing ones—Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma—have lost capacity due to siltation.
As a result, provinces often find themselves in conflict over allocations that were initially designed to be supported by additional water storage.
Experts suggest that instead of disputes over limited resources, Pakistan must focus on long-term solutions such as constructing new dams, modernizing irrigation techniques, and improving water governance.
Agriculture, which consumes nearly 90 per cent of Pakistan’s water, relies heavily on traditional flood irrigation, leading to significant wastage.
Experts advocate for the adoption of modern techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve efficiency. Similarly, addressing canal leakage, groundwater depletion, and illegal extractions can help conserve available water.
Beyond infrastructure, experts stress the need for policy consistency. Political delays have stalled critical projects like Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams, which could significantly boost storage capacity. Ensuring continuity in water policies, regardless of government transitions, is essential for long-term sustainability.
The Cholistan Canal project should be approached through dialogue and mutual understanding. A collaborative effort among provinces, guided by the principles of the 1991 Accord, can help ensure that development projects benefit all regions without compromising existing water rights.
Addressing Pakistan’s water crisis requires a balanced approach—one that prioritizes both equitable distribution and sustainable water management.
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