Pakistan's water challenges stem primarily from internal mismanagement rather than external factors, according to recent information. Annually, the Indus basin in Pakistan receives approximately 140 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water from its western rivers. This volume is consistent with, or even surpasses, the estimates made when the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed, with the basin currently receiving about 142 MAF. Specifically, on an average, Pakistan receives about 140 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water annually in the Indus basin from western rivers. This amount is still more than the 135 MAF estimated at the time of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The analysis confirms the Indus basin brings an average of 175 BCM (about 142 MAF) of water into Pakistan, which is more than estimated at the time of the IWT signing. This indicates that Pakistan is receiving equal or more water (142 MAF) in the Indus basin than estimated at the time of IWT signing.
A report by the World Bank notes that Pakistan's water security is compromised by poor water resource management. The World Bank report states that Pakistan does not make the best use of its water endowment. The report indicates that the nation does not optimally utilize its existing water endowment. This suggests that the issues are rooted in how water resources are managed domestically, rather than an insufficient supply. The World Bank Group published a study report titled “Pakistan – Getting more from water”, which was updated up to September 2018, providing a full overview of these challenges.
Pakistan's Water Management Deficiencies
The Indus basin in Pakistan receives an average of 175 BCM (about 142 MAF) of water annually, a volume that exceeds the 135 MAF estimated at the time of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signing. This analysis confirms that the basin brings more water into Pakistan than initially estimated. From this total, Pakistan diverts approximately 104 MAF for irrigation use. This diversion accounts for 128 BCM of the water available. Out of the approximately 140 MAF received, Pakistan diverts about 104 MAF for irrigation use. The remaining water is either lost within the system or flows into the sea. The remaining water is either wasted in the system or goes to the sea.
Historically, Pakistan's water usage was significantly lower. In the 1950s, the nation utilized around 66 MAF of water, which supported the irrigation of approximately 21 Million Acre (MAc) of land within the Indus Basin. Water use in the Indus Basin has since increased to 104 MAF, allowing for the irrigation of about 34 MAc of land. In the 1950s, Pakistan used around 66 MAF of water, irrigating about 21 Million Acre (MAc) of land in the Indus Basin. Water use in the Indus Basin has increased to 104 MAF, irrigating about 34 MAc. Despite the substantial volume of water available, 12 BCM (9.7 MAF) is wasted as system losses each year. Additionally, 35 BCM (28.2 MAF) flows into the sea without being utilized. Pakistan's current storage capacity stands at only 15% of its annual river flow, indicating a significant challenge in retaining and managing its water resources effectively.
India's Water Productivity and Investment
India has implemented several initiatives to enhance its water productivity and conservation efforts. The nation has invested in programs such as 'Per drop more crop,' watershed development, micro irrigation, and command area development. These schemes aim to optimize water use in agriculture and improve overall water management practices. India has invested in schemes like ‘Per drop more crop’, ‘watershed development’, micro irrigation, and command area development.
Over the past decade, India has dedicated substantial financial resources to these efforts, spending more than Rs. 1.25 lakh crore on schemes designed to improve crop water productivity. India has spent over Rs. 1.25 lakh crore in the last decade on schemes to improve crop water productivity. This substantial investment shows India's commitment to enhancing agricultural efficiency and water resource management through targeted initiatives. Annually, India has allocated approximately Rs. 90,000 crore towards water conservation measures during this same period. India has spent about Rs.90,000 crore annually on water conservation over the last decade.
These investments appear to correlate with higher water productivity in India compared to Pakistan. For example, water productivity for wheat in Pakistan stands at 0.5 kg/m³, while in India, it is 1.0 kg/m³. Water productivity for wheat in Pakistan is 0.5 kg/m³, compared to 1.0 kg/m³ in India. This indicates a more efficient use of water resources in Indian agricultural practices. India's conservation efforts have yielded tangible results. In the last eight years, the country conserved 11 BCM of water through the construction of new tanks, ponds, and groundwater recharge structures. In the last 8 years, India conserved 11 BCM of water through new tanks, ponds, and recharge structures.
Internal Challenges and Storage Gaps
A study report titled “Pakistan – Getting more from water” was published by the World Bank Group, with updates extending up to September 2018. An analysis of water management in the Indus basin, titled ‘Water Management in the Indus basin in Pakistan – Challenges and Opportunities,’ was published by the International Mountain Society in August 2011, authored by Asad Sarwar Qureshi. This specific analysis, authored by Asad Sarwar Qureshi, delves into the complexities and potential solutions for water resource management within the Indus basin, noting both the challenges faced and the opportunities for improvement. Pakistan’s current water storage capacity allows it to hold approximately 30 days of water. Pakistan has a storage capacity of only 15% of its annual river flow. This means Pakistan can store approximately 30 days of water.
In response to India keeping the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, Pakistan announced plans to construct numerous small-scale reservoirs. Pakistan announced building numerous small-scale reservoirs in response to India keeping the IWT in abeyance. The nation faces a significant challenge with its groundwater resources, experiencing an average decline of approximately 1.5 meters per year in its groundwater table. The average decline in Pakistan's groundwater table is approximately 1.5 m/year. This persistent decline in the groundwater table points to unsustainable extraction practices and insufficient recharge, exacerbating the overall water scarcity issues. Internally, the Water Apportionment Accord was signed in 1991 by Pakistan's four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. This accord aimed to regulate water distribution among the provinces. The Water Apportionment Accord was signed in 1991 by Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
The Scapegoat Narrative
The 36 MAF of water wasted or escaping to sea in Pakistan is sufficient for enhancing its water security. Flows in Eastern rivers have reportedly decreased by about 15% from the assessed 33 MAF, according to available data. The significant volume of water that is lost or flows unused into the sea shows the argument that the core problem is not a lack of water availability, but rather inefficient management and inadequate infrastructure to capture and utilize these resources. This internal mismanagement diverts attention from the real issues, including the need for greater investment in water storage, modern irrigation techniques, and effective policy implementation. The narrative often shifts blame externally, but the data consistently points to domestic shortcomings as the primary driver of Pakistan's water woes. Addressing these internal challenges comprehensively would significantly improve the nation's water security and agricultural productivity.
