Pakistan's Water Crisis Requires Science-Based Approaches: Federal Minister

Strategic Insights -

Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo emphasized the urgent need for science-based approaches to address Pakistan's growing water crisis during a visit to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). The visit highlighted the crucial role PCRWR plays in managing water resources, improving irrigation technologies, and developing strategies for groundwater recharge and conservation. Wattoo directed the management to increase efficiency and ensure PCRWR delivers impactful results for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.

Key Takeaways:

  • PCRWR, established in 1964 and restructured under the Ministry of Water Resources in 2022, serves as the country's key research body responsible for managing water resources, addressing drinking water quality, improving irrigation technologies, and developing strategies for groundwater recharge and conservation.
  • The Federal Minister emphasized that PCRWR must play a more integrated role in supporting national water policies, particularly under the National Water Policy 2018 and Sustainable Development Goal 6, which targets access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  • The Minister directed PCRWR to accelerate its work on water quality monitoring, groundwater mapping, and irrigation efficiency and translate it into actionable policy support.
  • PCRWR plans to conduct cost-benefit studies on irrigation pricing models, support water-saving technologies in agriculture, and extend groundwater recharge interventions such as leaky dams and rainwater harvesting wells in water-stressed regions.
  • The Minister emphasized the need for evidence-based water management in Pakistan and affirmed the government's support for strengthening research-based institutions like PCRWR.
  • PCRWR is set to expand its National Water Quality Monitoring Program to 72 districts, publish the annual "State of Water Quality in Pakistan" report, and develop a National Water Budget and Water Scarcity Index.

Statistics:

  • PCRWR was established in 1964.
  • The Ministry of Water Resources restructured PCRWR in 2022.
  • The National Water Policy 2018 aims to improve national water management.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  • PCRWR plans to expand its National Water Quality Monitoring Program to 72 districts.

Sources:

  • Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR)
  • Ministry of Water Resources
  • National Water Policy 2018
  • Sustainable Development Goal 6