Hydro politics in Regional and Domestic context

A: Causes of water crisis

1.

Backward the Irrigation System in Pakistan

Our irrigation system is the largest in the world but its infrastructure is quite deprived, in
transmission

o Thus, due to seepage we lost almost two-third of water supply

o If the irrigation system is sufficiently repaired we can save 68 MAF of water for
our crops

o Moreover, farmer and landlord can save more and more water by improving
farming methods to preserve water and increase productivity of different crops.

2.

Climatic changes

The global warming has led to melting of the Himalayan glaciers and consequent
depletion in the flow of water into the Indus River system.

o It is not that only agricultural sector, the backbone of Pakistans economy, is

suffering; due to depleting water supply

o There is reduced power-generation from the hydroelectric plants, having a

devastating impact on the countrys industries too.

3.

The silting of dams

The silting of dams and barrages is a continuous process. Due to heavy sediments carried
by the rivers

o Tarbela, Mangla and Chasma Dams have lost nearly 25%of their capacity.
4.

Seepage Issues
An estimated 40% of water that run through canals is lost because of seepage.

o The reason: the canal beds and banks are unlined, poorly lined or porous.

5.

Traditional and antiquated agricultural techniques

Traditional and antiquated agricultural techniques lead to excessive loss of water.

o While water intensive varieties of crops, like sugarcane and rice, are cultivated.
Optimum crop rotation is imperative but is not done effectively.

B: Hydro Politics in Regional context: India Pakistan water issue

6.

India and Pakistan have fought three major wars and many skirmishes since
independence.

o The most important issue (besides Kashmir issue) is the crucial necessity of life:
water.

7.

Water is becoming an existential threat to Pakistan stability. The country is facing

a grim situation regarding its fast depleting fresh water resources. For Pakistan, primarily
an agrarian country, water becomes the most important of all the natural resources to be
secured and managed.

8.

The source of irrigation for Pakistan agriculture is Indus River. Being a singlebasin country Pakistan relies heavily on the Indus basin water to meet its domestic,
agricultural and industrial needs.

9.

The water resources are getting short due to irregular flow of water in Indus
River. India is aiming to destabilize Pakistan by creating artificial shortage of water in
Pakistan which may lead to a chaotic situation in the country.

10.

Moreover the international community has built an opinion on the basis of their
perceptions that Indian efforts to dry up Pakistan can lead towards another armed contest
between the two constant rivals

11.

Historical Context

12.

The water issue between the two countries dates back to April 1948 when India
stopped its canal water to flow into Pakistan, leaving about 5.5% of West Pakistans
planted area and nearly 8% of its cultivated area without irrigation at the start of the
crucial kharif (Monsoon) season.

13.

That act from Indian side raised hostility between the two neighbours.

14.

However as a result of mediation from the World Bank, Indus Water Treaty came
forward in 1960 which stated that waters of three western rivers Indus, Jhelum and
Chenab are to be used by Pakistan while India was given rights over eastern rivers, Ravi,
Sutlej and Beas. But India as usual dishonored this accord from time to time to create
economic crisis in Pakistan.

15.

Under the Indus Water Treaty:

16.

1. Pakistan surrendered three eastern rivers, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas to India with
some minor rights to Pakistan.
2. Largely three western rivers namely Indus, Jhelum and Chenab remained with
Pakistan.
3. India was allowed to use water from the western rivers for irrigation of 642,000 acres
of land that were already being irrigated from these rivers along with an entitlement to
further irrigate 701,000 acres for crops.
4. India was also given specified entitlement for other storages, including, power and
flood storages i.e., storages for non-consumptive purposes.
5. Pakistan was to meet the requirements of its eastern river canals from the western
rivers by constructing replacement works.
6. Both parties are bound to, regularly exchange flow-data of rivers, canals and streams.
7. A permanent Indus Water Commission, with one Commissioner from each side, was to
be set up to resolve issues.
8. The procedures were set out for settlement of questions differences and disputes
bilaterally and through neutral experts and International Court of Arbitration as the case
might be.

17.

Wullar Barrage

18.

First controversy arose in 1984 when India violated the laws of the agreement and
started construction of Wullar Barrage over river Jhelum without consulting, informing
and showing the design to Pakistan which enraged Pakistani authorities.

19.

Kishan Ganga power project (330MW)

20.

India undertook another condemnable action in 2008 when she started filling the
reservoir of Baghliar Hydel Power Project, left Pakistan a water scarce country. Indias
attitude and actions on Baglihar may have implications for other areas like Siachen, Sir
Creek and Kashmir as well. Kishanganga project of India is another project which
sparked the hostility between the two neighbours.

21.

India is building the Uri power project (240MW) and Kishan Ganga power
project (330MW) on river Jhelum. A 22 kilometer long tunnel is to divert Neelam-Jhelum
water for Kishan Ganga power project, which threatens Pakistans 930 MW Neelam
Jhelum project.

22.

Outrageously the Kishanganga Project the Indians hawk on the premise that it will
ostensibly bring water from River Kishanganga to Wullar Lake, where a hydroelectric
power station is proposed.

23.

Kishan Ganga

24.

Here Pakistan plans to construct 969 MW-capacity Neelum-Jhelum Power Plant

with Chinese assistance. The Pakistani project is to going to be completed in 2017, due to
delay in construction work. Pakistan is genuinely concerned and fears that the
Kishanganga Project would lead to a shortfall of water flow into Neelum, reducing its
power generation by an estimated 9%.

25.

Other Dams Construction

26.

According to certain media reports, India is planning to build 53 power projects

and about seven dams which will disturb the flow of water to Pakistan that would lead to
alarming situation for Pakistan to meets its water demands, hence making it internally
vulnerable. The main argument is that Pakistans vulnerability to the trans-boundary
impacts of Indias ambitious hydro projects on the Western rivers goes unrecognized and
underappreciated in India. It is not only violation of the spirit of the Indus Water Treaty
but also ignoring the huge trans-boundary impacts on hydrology and ecology of the
rivers. India intends to gain monopoly over all rivers flowing into Pakistan to coerce
Pakistan economically and militarily while converting arid land of Punjab (Pakistan) into
wasteland.

27.

Stoppage of Water

28.

India many times stopped water flow to Pakistan during crop season creating
problems. There are projections that if this water issue remain unchecked, it would lead
to devastative armed conflict between the two nuclear rivals.

29.

The stoppage of river water by India is a practical evidence of Indias nefarious,

malicious and hegemonic designs against Pakistan. It is also warrant suggesting that
Pakistan should develop its own water reservoirs/ dams at priority.

30.

Grave threats for Pakistan

31.

Pakistan is expected to face 31 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water by 2025 which
poses a grave threat to Pakistan economy and stability. According to Time Magazine
reports, it has been revealed that India is planning to build a dam on Wular Lake which
would affect the flow of water in Pakistan. According to the media reports, India has
ventured upon an ambitious plan worth $120 billion to divert waters of Rivers

32.

Jhelum, Chenab and Indus flowing from north to south and turn fertile lands of
Pakistan into a desert. So far, it has built 65 dams and headwork, but has plans to
build a total of 300 small and big size dams so as to gain total control over the three
rivers. It is constructing a 3800 kms long canal in order to divert water from River
Indus to River Sutlej thus depriving Pakistan from its due share of Indus water and
it is expected that the country may face acute water shortage in years to come.

33.

Water Terrorism

34.

India has therefore started water terrorism by bringing vast area of Pakistani
territory under floodwater and at many times she has attempted to stop river flow in
Pakistan. According to a report, in year 2011 India had released more than 70,000 cusecs
of water into River Sutlej at Pakistani side which mounted its level to an alarming extent,
washed away dozens of villages and worsenly affected the livestock and crops. India
intends to complete its water denial plan to Pakistan by 2016 after which Pakistan will
get deprived of its share of water. Pakistans condition will become worse than Somalia
and Ethiopia, the two drought ridden countries. India has now managed to coax its
strategic partner Afghanistan to build dams over River Kabul and has offered its full
assistance that would further worsen water problem of Pakistan. If India opens the gates
of these illegal dams, it can sink Pakistan within 48 hours. Reports states that Indian
government has also allowed their corporate farmers direct pumping on massive scale
from Chenab and its tributaries for which free electricity is being provided.

35.

DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

36.

Supply of canal water to the desert/semi-desert areas Establishment of mini

dams, check dams, dugwells, lift irrigation schemes etc.

37.

Construction and renovation of water storage ponds, underground tanks (Kunds),

and Tobas by use of cost effective lining/layering materials (e.g. HDPE/plastic sheets
etc.)

38.

Adoption of Resource Conservation Technology

39.

Use of alternative energy sources (solar and wind) powered pumps for
conveyance of water from water storage tanks to fields by use of drip/sprinkler and
Flexible Gated Pipes

40.

Management of groundwater b y treated, cyclic and conjunctive use

41.

Construction of Large and Small Dams

42.

Construction of New Canal Systems Construction of New Canal Systems

43.

Greater Thal Canal (GTC) Punjab

44.

Katchi Canal Katchi Canal Balochistan

45.

Rainee Canal Sindh

46.

Chasma Right Ban k Canal (CRBC) - KPK

47.

Desert areas may be developed following the models of Alien (UAE), Sanai
(Israel/Egypt) (Israel/Egypt), Ghobi (China) Rajasthan (India) and (China), Rajasthan
(India), and Dasht - e - Kavir (Iran)

48.

Feasibility study and preparation of development projects for Conservation

Agriculture may be carried Conservation Agriculture may be carried -out through
involvement of out through involvement of private sector (consultants/companies e.g.
PSAE,SACAN etc.)

49.

A body on the pattern of Thal Development Authority and Arid Land

Development Authority, India may be constituted under the Supervision of Prime
Minister at federal and CMs at provincial levels.

50.

A project for development of 50,000 acres at Head, Tail and Middle of Thal
desert, with main focus on GTC area, may be launched

51.

Outsource the project implementation to the private sector following the

example of Rajistan Development in India with full support from public sector

52.

Creation o f Think tank ( Planning Commission, HEC, Universities, PEC, PSAE)

for Water Resources Development and Management

53.

(a) Chasha dam

It would be located 200 miles upstream of terbela on river Indus. its gross storage
capacity would be 7.3 maf and live storage 5.7 maf. Its power generation capacity would
be 3360 mw.
(b) Kalabagh dam
Kalabagh dam site is located 132 miles down stream of Terbela. Its gross storage would
be 6.1 maf. It would have a power generation of 3600 mw. Here I shall further suggest
that the construction of Kalabagh be under taken only, once all the provinces are
convinced and willing to cooperate.
(c) Thal reservoir
It would be located on the right bank of Chashma Jhelum link canal, along the western
bank of river Jhelum. Its reservoir would have gross capacity of 2.3 maf.
(d) Raised Mangla dam
in this the present Mangla dam would be further raised by 40 ft and thus increasing its
gross capacity to 9.5 maf. In addition, its power generation capacity would be increased
by 15%.
(e) Mirani dam
The dam is located on Dasht River about 48 km of Turbat town in Mekran division. Its
main objective is to provide water for irrigation. Its gross storage is 0.30 maf.
(f) Gomalzam dam
It is located at Khajori Kach on Gomal River in South Waziristan, about 75 miles from
Dera Ismail Khan. Its main objective will be to irrigate 132000 acres of land, power
generation of 17.4 mw and flood control.

54.

Way Forwards

55.

recently the losses occur due to seepage, infiltration and leakages etc. seepage
results in water logging and these losses can be reduced or eliminated by lining the
canals.

56.

In addition, people should be educated to conserve water by cooperation.

57.

Further more government should make laws on water conservation, like many
western countries.

58.

The second largest contribution to the total water available comes from the
groundwater sources. This source has been exploited and very well used by public and
private tube wells. It can still provide over nine maf of water. This source can be
exploited and judiciously used for irrigation purposes. How ever in some areas ground
water is rapidly depleting due to excessive pumpage, authorities should take control in
such areas to save them from depleting.

59.

Efforts be made to convert the present rotation based irrigation system to demand
oriented system.

60.

The modern irrigation techniques, that is trickling, sprinkling etc, which have a
potential to improve water distribution and its utilization.

61.

Authorities should take appropriate steps to curb the illegal extraction of water
and ensure its equitable distribution.

62.

Presently irrigation department has failed to stop the illegal theft and extraction;
thus irrigation distribution system needs to be privatized through water user associations.

63.

In addition, water, now-a-days is supplied to farmers at a very negligible cost and

that is why they do not treat water as a precious resource; therefore there is a need to
increase the water prices to make irrigators realize the importance of this asset.

64.

Farmers organizations, water user association, and private sector be involved in

construction, operation, and maintenance of the irrigation system. Such associations are
conceived as a mechanism for creating a cooperative frame work for improvement of
watercourses.

65.