• Syed Khursheed Shah, Federal Minister for Water Resources, stated on Thursday that the government must prioritize the development and upkeep of dams and water reservoirs
• Pakistan was confronting a water problem since it was everyone’s topic, need, and cure for environmental preservation
• The minister stated that future water conservation policies would be developed to meet the needs of a growing population in mind

ISLAMABAD: Syed Khursheed Shah, Federal Minister for Water Resources, stated on Thursday that the government must prioritize the development and upkeep of dams and water reservoirs.

Pakistan was confronting a water problem since it was everyone’s topic, need, and cure for environmental preservation, he said during a workshop on ‘National Water Policy 2018 – Implementation Framework.’

The minister stated that future water conservation policies would be developed to meet the needs of a growing population in mind. According to Khursheed Shah, there is also a need to raise public awareness about the necessity of water conservation and judicious use of water in daily life.

He stated that adequate water availability was also vital in improving the output of the national agriculture sector. The country used to have 9,000 gallons of water per capita, which is now significantly less. Yet, there is debate among numerous parties about the construction of new dams and water reservoirs.

He was disappointed that no government had made any steps to preserve subsurface water reserves. The provinces should create a regulatory body to oversee and preserve groundwater supplies. Another critical concern, he claimed, was the fast population growth, which was exacerbated by uncontrolled deforestation.

“Water is not free in the globe, and meters are set for water provision, but unfortunately, we are wasting water without any control,” he remarked.

He stated that population and water were inextricably linked and that Pakistan’s population was rapidly expanding. Due to a lack of water, the agriculture industry will suffer this year.

“The water of Balochistan and Sindh is salty, unfit for drinking, and has plunged several hundred feet underground.” The situation is heightened by tree chopping.”

He stated that the wheat output was up to 27 to 28 Munds, which could be increased to 110 Munds by diligent efforts. “A surplus of water can improve wheat productivity and export.” We can’t afford to export the wheat right now.”

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According to the minister, agricultural land is being converted into urban areas, posing a threat to food security. He believes that having access to water will help the country flourish and become a powerful economic force. He concluded that there was no idea of acute water access and availability for everyone without effective conservation and sensible allocation of water.