The only way to improve Pakistan's water situation, according to Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani, is to build additional dams, save water, use contemporary irrigation methods, and reduce water loss via evaporation. He made these remarks while answering questions at a briefing held at the WAPDA House for a delegation of the Pakistan Air Force Air War College.

During their tour, the delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Hussain Ahmed Siddiqui received an update on the prospects and plans for the water and hydropower sectors. According to Sajjad Ghani, Pakistan's agro-based economy can help recover the country's economy. After the Diamer Basha Dam, creating one more massive water reservoir might result in forming a land mass, which would provide Pakistan with an annual economic gain of $10 billion.

The delegation was informed that for Pakistan's water, food, and energy security, WAPDA is implementing the largest-ever portfolio of development projects in the water and hydropower sectors, totalling Rs. 2500 billion. It was informed that among the hydropower projects were the Diamer Basha, Mohmand, Kurram Tangi, Nai Gaj, Dasu, and Tarbela 5th Extension dams. The projects under construction are supposed to be finished in phases between 2023 and 2029, the delegation was told. 

After these projects are finished, the nation's gross water storage capacity will increase by 9.7 million acre feet, enough to irrigate 3.5 million acres of land. In addition, a 9043 MW increase would result in a doubling of WAPDA's hydropower-producing capacity. The delegation was informed that Pakistan has reached the status of a water-scarce country as per capita water availability has decreased from 5650 cubic metres in 1951 to an alarming level of 908 cubic metres per year. In comparison to the global average of 40%, Pakistan can store just 10% of its annual river flows, and it has a 30-day water carryover capacity, compared to 170 days for India, 700 days for Egypt, and 900 days for the United States. 

It is necessary to expand the carryover water storage capacity from 30 to 120 days. The delegation was also told that the low-cost hydel power, which is now available at 9406 MW, has to be increased from the current 28% to at least 50% in the national grid. The delegation consisted of Pakistani and allied officers from Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Zimbabwe.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk