No Dams to save rain for future, Just promises: Pakistan loses rainwater once again

A video showing floodwaters rushing through urban areas in Pakistan has gone viral on social media, highlighting the country’s ongoing failure to store rainwater. After recent heavy rains, millions of gallons of precious water are once again being wasted, as there are no proper dams or reservoirs to collect it.

Renowned journalist Dr. Shama Junejo shared the video on social platform X, writing, “There is so much rainwater, and all of it will go to waste. If only we had small dams and reservoirs, this water could help during droughts.”

بارشوں کا اتنا پانی ہے اور سارا ضائع ہوجائے گا۔
کاش ہمارے پاس چھوٹے ڈیم اور ریزروائر ہوتے تو یہ پانی خُشک سالی میں کام آتا

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— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) July 17, 2025

The video shows a fast-moving stream of water sweeping through the city, affecting nearby residential areas. Social media users responded with frustration and criticism, calling out the government for failing to invest in long-term water solutions.

One user commented, “If dams were built and rainwater was saved, there would be no need for billions of dollars in aid. How would the luxuries of rulers and their allies be funded then?” They also pointed out that “63 deaths have already occurred in Punjab alone—meaning aid worth at least $40-50 million is expected to arrive.”

Another user wrote, “A dam will only be built when the people demand it. Sadly, we’ve become numb. Politicians feed the public, and many are living on government handouts of Rs.. 15,000–20,000 per month.”

Another user, Usman Ansari, compared the situation to Texas, saying, “It’s also raining there, and they’re praying the water clears so life becomes easier. Dams can’t stop floods, but they can store water for later use.”

Experts say that Pakistan loses billions of rupees worth of rainwater each year due to a lack of dams, water reservoirs, and proper drainage systems. Meanwhile, the country continues to face water shortages, droughts, and a struggling agriculture sector.

Without urgent action on a national level, this cycle of waste and damage is likely to repeat with every monsoon season.