According to the United Nations, Pakistan is now gradually slipping down to the water scarcity level and is among those countries which will face water crisis in coming years. It is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change with the rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers. According to the local media non-availability of irrigation water has created drought like conditions in many parts of the country. This will impact badly on the agriculture sector threatening reduced agricultural produce and food shortage. The major Kharif crops are likely to suffer severe damage resulting in loss of billions of rupees. Small and medium dams will not make up the deficiency in irrigation water; Bhasha dam is 12 years away. Only Kalabagh dam can save us from total disaster. With IRSA in charge of river water distribution any fear of misappropriation of supply to the canals is totally unfounded.
Lahore, September 1.
